District News Articles12/6/2017Add “Reduce Your Water Use” to Your New Year’s Resolution List for 2018

It can be easy to take clean water for granted: most of us don’t have to think twice about turning on the tap to wash our hands, water the plants, or whip up some pasta. In fact, the U.S. has the largest water footprint of any country in the world Read more

District News Articles10/20/2017Keep Your Drains Draining

One of the absolute best ways to prevent slow or clogged drains is to be careful about what you put into them. Clever, eh? Read more

District News Articles10/17/2017Recent Recognition of "Imagine a Day Without Water"

Most Americans take the water systems that bring clean water to and from their homes and businesses for granted... Read more

District News Articles10/5/2017Root Cutting Activities An Important Preventative Maintenance Task

Denver Water’s 2017 Water Quality Report in now available to view on Denver Water’s website. In the past, Denver Water directly mailed these reports to Platte Canyon customers. Hard copy reports will only be made available to District customers upon request.
The Water Quality Report contains a wealth of information about not only the quality of your water but, also, about where your water comes from and how it is treated before it is delivered to your home or business. Read more

District News Articles4/14/2017WARM WEATHER IS COMING: DID YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM SURVIVE THE WINTER?

Picture this... The long, cold, barren days of winter have finally melted away, the snow has stopped falling and the recent daily rains have decreased and your yard has started to resemble straw. Yes, it's springtime! You now realize that it's time to fire up your lawn irrigation system. You open wide the supply valve; turn on the timer, and then stand back in horror watching as a geyser erupts in the middle of your yard!
What happened? Well, in your spring-induced excitement, you neglected to properly start up your irrigation system after its long winter nap. Fortunately, this scenario is easy to avoid. Just a few simple steps before you turn on your irrigation system will protect it from immediate and unforeseen damage, as well as make it more reliable year after year. Read more

District News Articles3/31/2017REPORTING AN EMERGENCY

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333. After hours emergency calls are automatically directed to a maintenance operations employee who will promptly return your call. Read more

District News Articles3/24/2017NEW WATER RATES START APRIL 1 EXPECT WATER BILLS TO INCREASE SLIGHTLY

In December 2016, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted rate changes to fund essential repairs and upgrades to Denver Water’s system, effective April 1, 2017.
Nobody likes to pay a bill. No matter how much you like a service or how essential it may be, handing over your hard-earned money to somebody else - particularly if that bill often increases from year to year - is never fun.
But when it comes to your water bill, the simple fact is the cost of running a complex water system continues to rise. Your bill helps to maintain and upgrade a vast infrastructure that allows Denver Water to collect and treat and deliver safe, reliable water, while also providing for essential fire protection services.
According to Denver Water, you will see some slight increases in your water bill starting April 1, 2017 Read more

District News Articles3/17/2017LEAKS CAN RUN BUT THEY CAN’T HIDE

Are you ready to chase down leaks? Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide? In fact, the average household leaks more than 10,000 gallons of water per year, or the amount of water it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry, and could be costing you an extra 10% on your water bills. Each year Platte Canyon helps you hunt down the drips during Fix a Leak Week. Mark your calendars for EPA's ninth annual Fix a Leak Week which will take place March 20 through 26, but remember that you can find and fix leaks inside and outside your home to save valuable water and money all year long. Read more

District News Articles3/14/2017NEW DISTRICT NEWSLETTER IS ON ITS WAY TO A MAILBOX NEAR YOU

The new issue of our quarterly print newsletter Your Water is scheduled to be mailed next week and you should be receiving your copy shortly. If for some reason you cannot wait until you receive your print copy you can view the Read more

District News Articles3/7/2017FATS, OILS, AND GREASE - IT'S EFFECTS ON OUR SEWER SYSTEM

Fats, Oils, and Greases aren’t just bad for your arteries and your waistline; they are bad for sewer pipes as well. Sewer backups and overflows can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and threaten the environment. An increasingly common cause of sewer overflows is pipes blocked with grease. Grease and other non-soluble substances get into the sewer from household drains as well as poorly maintained grease traps in restaurants and other businesses. Read more

District News Articles3/3/2017DID YOU KNOW THAT SAVING WATER SAVES ENERGY?

It's Time for a New Way to Think About Water and Energy
With climate change concerns, pervasive droughts, and high energy prices across the country, nearly everyone is looking for ways to conserve resources and cut costs. The good news is that by using a little “water sense” we can all use less water, energy, and money.
It’s time for a new way of thinking about using water and energy more efficiently. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program can help you save both. And look for the ENERGY STAR label on appliances and other products that use water and energy. Read more

District News Articles2/24/2017WATER MAIN FLUSHING BEGINS

One way the District helps to preserve water quality in its distribution system is to periodically flush water from fire hydrants and dead-end water mains. Reasons for performing this maintenance procedure include: Read more

District News Articles2/17/2017OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the President’s Day holiday, our office will be closed February 20th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on February 21st at 8:00 a.m. Read more

The Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) is again making waterwise gardening fun and simple with its annual “Garden-In-A-Box” sale for 2017. Garden-In-A-Box are professionally designed, plant by numbers gardens which contain perennial and Xeric (low-water) plants for your landscaping needs. They make basic xeriscaping easy, affordable and convenient. CRC has again partnered with Denver Water to make gardens available to all residents of Platte Canyon at a discounted price where they can receive $25 off select gardens Read more

District News Articles2/10/2017WINTER PLUMBING MAINTENANCE TIPS

The arrival of the winter season and cold weather invite a multitude of potential plumbing problems into our homes. Frigid morning showers, frozen or cracked pipes, broken radiators, flooding, and leaks are just a few of the many unwanted plumbing issues brought on by cold winter weather.
Fortunately there are things that you can do to prevent or minimize the likelihood of these winter plumbing mishaps. The District offers these plumbing maintenance tips to keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape during the winter months Read more

District News Articles1/27/2017GET YOUR HOUSE IN SHAPE THIS YEAR – CONDUCT A RESIDENTIAL INDOOR WATER SELF-AUDIT

Indoor water self-audits are an easy way to detect and repair leaks that you might not know exist or don’t think will affect the amount of water you use during the month which may ultimately result in an increase the amount you own on your monthly water bill.
On average 14 percent of indoor water is lost through leaking fixtures and pipes. The biggest culprits in indoor water waste are bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Read more

District News Articles1/20/2017WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT? EMAIL UPDATE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District offers a free service that will automatically keep you notified when specific areas of our website are updated. These areas include: News Articles, News Letters, Board Meeting Agendas, Board Meeting Minutes, District Projects, and Water and Sanitary Sewer Specifications.
Here’s how it works: Read more

District News Articles1/13/2017OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Martin Luther King day holiday, our office will be closed January 16th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on January 17th at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District News Articles1/11/2017DISTRICT 2017 TRANSPARENCY NOTICE NOW AVAILABLE

Pursuant to Section 32-1-809, Colorado Revised Statue, a transparency notice must be provided to the electors of the District no later than January 15 of each year Read more

District News Articles1/6/2017EXTREME COLD HAS ARRIVED. DID YOU WINTERIZE YOUR PIPES?

It’s the time of year that the District receives numerous customer complaints about having no water or frozen/broken pipes. This is a yearly occurrence and this January is not any different.
Winters in Colorado are where the weather can go to daily extremes. Monday temperatures can be the same as those in spring and summer months but on Tuesday temperatures can drop below freezing. This heating/freezing cycle can cause tremendous stress on your water pipes Read more

District News Articles1/6/2017PLEASE CLEAR THE SNOW AWAY FROM FIRE HYDRANTS

Snow has arrived in the District and with its arrival we would like to remind you to “adopt” the hydrant nearest to you and keep it clear of snow. Hydrants buried under mounds of snow are difficult to locate when firefighters need them most and when time is of the essence. Read more

District News Articles12/30/2016OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY

In observance of the New Year’s holiday, our office will be closed January 2nd. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on January 3rd, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Directors and staff of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District would like to wish you a happy and safe New Year. Read more

District News Articles12/23/2016MAKE A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION TO BE WATER EFFICIENT

It can be easy to take clean water for granted: most of us don’t have to think twice about turning on the tap to wash our hands, water the plants, or whip up some pasta. In fact, the U.S. has the largest water footprint of any country in the world, at an average of 80 gallons of water per person per day. But it’s not easy to get all that water to where it needs to be, and it takes a huge investment of resources to collect, treat, and transport the water you use every day. So for our 2017 New Year’s resolution, we want you to preserve the earth’s resources by reducing the amount of water you use.
The best place to start conserving water is in the bathroom. Toilets and showers together account for almost half of the water used in most homes and are also easy to make more efficient. You Read more

District News Articles12/19/2016OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

Happy Holidays!
In observance of the Christmas holiday, our office will be closed December 23rd and 26th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on December 27th at 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Directors and staff of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District would like to wish our customers a Happy Holiday season. Read more

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2017 - 2026. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects as well as vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be proactive in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation.
The 2017 - 2026 Capital Master Plan proposes expenditure of $1,823,651 in 2017 and $4,387,788 during the 10-year period extending from 2016 to 2025. This compares with last year’s master plan projected expenditures for 2016 and 2017 amounting to $1,251,326 and $793,496 respectively. Last year’s estimate of total expenditures over the ten year period was $5,148,712, $760,924 more than this year’s plan. Water facility replacement projects account for 60 percent of the total proposed expenditures while sewer rehabilitation expenses and vehicle and equipment purchases account for 15 percent and 25 percent respectively.
Expenditures called for in this Capital Master Plan will result in a reserve fund balance of $9,180,245 at year end 2017. This amount has been determined to provide adequate reserves to meet expenditures proposed in the Capital Master Plan. No increases in tax revenues, tap fees or annexation fees will to be required to meet the goals of the current plan. Read more

District News Articles12/8/2016CELEBRATING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF COLORADO’S WATER PLAN

November marked the one-year anniversary of the CWCB Board voting to approve the final Colorado's Water Plan and deliver it to Governor Hickenlooper and the people of Colorado, a plan that would ensure that the state's most valuable resource is protected and available for generations to come. To get to that moment, it took 30 months of drafting, 3 draft water plans, 8 Basin Implementation Plans, 30,000 public comments, and many years of discussions.
As this achievement was celebrated a year ago Read more

District News Articles12/2/2016BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTS 2017 BUDGET

The 2017 budget for Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District proposes general fund expenditures of $2,327,644 and capital expenditures of $1,951,734. Total expenses amounting to $4,279,378 will exceed projected 2017 revenue of $2,949,455 by $1,329,923. The deficit will be funded by a transfer from the District’s reserve fund and will not result in higher taxes or customer charges.
The District will assess a property tax mill levy of 7.126 mills which includes 0.022 mills for recovery of County issued refunds and abatements. The basic mill levy of 7.104 mills has not risen since 2005. Property and specific ownership tax revenue will remain the largest source of District funds at $1,590,643. This is 54 percent of total revenue.
Another significant source of revenue for the District is derived from administrative and facility maintenance services provided to adjacent water and sewer utilities including Southwest Metropolitan, Bow Mar, Columbine, and Lochmoor Water and Sanitation Districts and Valley Sanitation District. Revenue produced from these services is estimated to be $1,230,472. Read more

‘Tis the season to enjoy excellent holiday food. For homeowners and sewer utilities alike, however, the holiday season can be a troubling time of year.
Potential trouble with household wastewater systems stems from pouring fat, oil and/or grease down the drain when cooking those holiday meals. Cooking oil is the number one cause of sewer line backups in homes, food service businesses, and public sewer systems. Once the grease cools and settles, it adheres to drains and sewer pipes like glue. As deposits buildup and harden, they can potentially create a serious blockage and cause a costly Read more

District News Articles11/21/2016OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed November 24th and 25th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on November 28th at 8:00 a.m Read more

District News Articles11/18/2016DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS SUCH A THING AS WORLD TOILET DAY? THERE IS, AND IT’S THIS SATURDAY

In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 19 as World Toilet Day. World Toilet Day is coordinated by UN-Water in collaboration with governments and partners. This week, though, is different. World Toilet Day is being celebrated on Saturday, November 18. It may sound silly, but the event is a very serious effort by the United Nations focusing on the fact that one-third of the world’s population have no toilet at home. A third of those people are children. They are vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and other major problems because there is no clean way of going to the bathroom where they live Read more

District News Articles11/9/2016OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Veteran's Day holiday, our office will be closed November 11th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on November 14th at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District News Articles10/30/2016DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME: AS TIME FALLS BACK, SO SHOULD YOUR SPRINKLER TIMER

As we enter the cooler season, please remember to adjust your sprinklers to reflect the cooler temperatures. Landscaped areas require far less irrigation during the cooler months. This will help to reduce your water usage and lower your water bill. Remember to change your sprinkler timer; when you change your clocks. Read more

District News Articles10/28/2016DON’T GET SPOOKED BY HIGH WATER BILLS THIS HALLOWEEN

Does your toilet sound like it’s flushing itself? No, it’s not haunted, you most probably have a flapper problem that causes your toilet to release water all on its own. And that ghostly running toilet can add up to a big waste of water in your home and is one of the leading things that will drive your water bill higher and higher.
WaterSense - a partnership program with the Environmental Protection Agency - estimates that household drips and leaking toilets waste up to 1 trillion gallons of water every year nationwide. That’s enough water to fill nearly 12 Dillon Reservoirs - Denver Water’s largest body of water Read more

District News Articles10/21/2016DISTRICT CREWS AVAILABLE 24/7, 365 DAYS PER YEAR FOR EMERGENCIES

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333 BEFORE calling a plumber or another contractor. After hours emergency calls are automatically directed to an on-call maintenance operations employee who will promptly return your call.
Read more

District News Articles10/14/2016COLD WEATHER IS COMING - IS YOUR HOME READY?

The same natural forces that trigger cold-weather breaks in Platte Canyon’s underground water mains can cause pipes to burst in your own plumbing systems. Here are some tips to help you prepare before an emergency happens Read more

District News Articles10/7/2016ROOT CUTTING ACTIVITIES AN IMPORTANT PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TASK

A routine activity Platte Canyon operations personnel perform is removing roots from sanitary sewer mains. While root cutting is scheduled each month, the majority of the root cutting activities take place beginning in October and continues through the end of March each year. Read more

District News Articles10/5/2016WATERTON CANYON EXTENDED CLOSURES

Waterton Canyon, which is currently closed during the week for construction work, will also be closed to recreation on Oct. 8 and 9.
As part of a maintenance project at Strontia Springs Dam, there will be heavy construction traffic in the canyon during this time, creating unsafe conditions for recreationists.
Denver Water will determine if an additional weekend closure is necessary for Oct. 15 and 16 Read more

District News Articles9/30/2016SUMMER WATERING PROGRAM ENDS OCTOBER 1ST

Fall is here and Denver Water’s summer watering program ends October 1st.
Even though the watering program deadline has arrived, Platte Canyon is still encouraging its customers to follow the restrictions that were set forth for Summer.
Read more

District News Articles9/29/2016COLUMBINE WEST RESIDENTS TO EXPERIENCE LOWER THAN NORMAL WATER PRESSURE DUE TO REHABILITATION OF DISTRICT PUMP STATION

Each year, the District performs upgrades and improvements to its water distribution system ensuring optimal operation and delivery of high quality water to its customers. This year is no exception, thus, rehabilitation of the Scott J. Morse Pump Station (formerly the Columbine West Pump Station - see sidebar below) located on West Ken Caryl Avenue just east of South Zephyr Court will begin October 3. During this rehabilitation the District will be replacing the pumps, motors, controls, and piping in the 45-year old facility. Rehabilitation work is tentatively scheduled to conclude March 31, 2017.
The pump station provides peak water flow and fire flow capability to 330 homes in the Columbine West Subdivision located mostly between South Pierce Street, West Coal Mine Avenue, South Wadsworth Boulevard, and West Ken Caryl Avenue. As a result of the rehabilitation of the pump station, some Columbine West residents will experience reduced water pressure for the duration of the project Read more

The District plans to add an additional inspection requirement – inclination testing - to its developer check-list for newly-constructed sewer mains.
During the construction of a new development, the District requires developers to satisfy several check-list specifications prior to sewer mains being conditionally accepted, entering a one-year warranty period. Developers must provide air testing, deflection testing and video inspection records as part of the acceptance process Read more

District News Articles9/16/2016WHERE DOES OUR DISTRICT’S WATER COME FROM?

To each of us the most important thing about water is that when we turn on the faucet we receive water of high quality and reliable delivery.
To this end the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District obtains its water through a contract with the Denver Water Department.
Since the 1800s Denver has been purchasing and developing surface flow water rights on both the East and West slopes. The majority of Denver’s water comes from rivers and streams fed by mountain snowmelt. The South Platte River, Blue River, Williams Fork River and Fraser River watersheds are Denver Water’s primary water sources, but it also uses water from the South Boulder Creek, Ralston Creek and Bear Creek watersheds. Dillon Reservoir is Denver Water’s largest storage facility and holds nearly 40 percent of Denver’s water. This raw water is transported by streams, ditches, reservoirs, tunnels and pipes to the Denver System. Flows are carefully monitored in relation to the annual snow melt and the demands of water system customers. Read more

District News Articles9/10/2016IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER CAMPAIGN (SEPTEMBER 15)

Imagine:
Could you go a day without water? No water to drink or make coffee. No water to shower, flush the toilet, or do laundry. Firefighters couldn't put out fires and farmers couldn't water their crops. October 6 - 8 Platte Canyon is joining together to raise awareness about the most essential resource we have: Water.
Imagine a Day Without Water is an opportunity for everyone who cares about safe, reliable water to stand up for our most essential resource. The infrastructure that moves and treats water is often invisible and forgotten. Imagine A Day Without Water draws attention to how impossible life would be without water. Read more

District News Articles9/3/2016WATERTON CANYON BEGINS WEEKLY CLOSURES ON SEPTEMBER 6

Beginning Sept. 6, 2016, Waterton Canyon will be closed Mondays through Fridays through November while Denver Water crews complete repairs to the High Line Canal diversion structure in the South Platte River. The canyon will be fully open to recreation on Saturdays and Sundays during this time.
For hikers and bikers on the Colorado Trail, there will only be access to Waterton Canyon on the weekends. During the week, trail users should seek alternative access points, which can be found at www.coloradotrail.org/waterton. Read more

District News Articles9/2/2016OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, our office will be closed September 5th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5. Read more

District News Articles8/26/2016APPLIANCE DISCHARGE

As part of the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District’s ongoing Maintenance Program, District crews utilize high pressure water cleaning equipment to clean and scour District owned sanitary sewer mains throughout the year. Occasionally this equipment causes a vacuum effect in the sewer main which, if not vented through properly functioning customer-owned plumbing ventilation pipes, may result in a minor discharge from sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and floor drains in a customer’s residence. Read more

District News Articles8/19/2016WHY DO YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT FATS, OILS, GREASE (FOG)? WE'VE HEARD THIS BEFORE

ANSWER: Nearly 90% of all sewage overflows nationwide are caused by homeowners who improperly dispose of everyday fats, oils and grease (FOG). These overflows are not just public health issues, but can result in serious damage to our environment, especially pollution of our streams, rivers and lakes.
Can a kitchen sink be causing problems?
If you pour FOG down your drain or garbage disposal, the fats, oils and grease build up over time and constricts the flow of wastewater (similar to cholesterol build up in an artery). This Read more

District News Articles8/12/2016COLORADO WATER FACTS

Just as Colorado’s topography varies from the towering Rocky Mountains in the west to the flat Eastern Plains, freshwater resources in Colorado fluctuate depending on location and elevation. Despite relatively abundant precipitation in the mountains of Colorado, most of the state is semi-arid and heavily dependent on annual snowmelt and runoff from the mountains to the plains, where a majority of the population resides and most of the state’s water is used Read more

District News Articles8/5/2016HIGHER THAN NORMAL WATER BILL? IT COULD BE A FLAPPER PROBLEM

Does your toilet sound like it’s flushing itself? No, you don’t have a ghost, you most probably have a flapper problem that causes your toilet to release water all on its own. And that ghostly running toilet can add up to a big waste of water in your home and is one of the leading things that will drive your water bill higher and higher. Read more

District News Articles7/29/2016SUMMER LAWN CARE: A LITTLE STRESS IS A GOOD THING

Grass is a very manipulative plant. When it gets hot in Colorado, lawns begin to show stress very easily. Brown patches begin to appear, the deep green color of winter and spring fade and grass’ velvety texture can turn straw-like. Basically, the lawn is throwing the plant equivalent of a tantrum – it is trying to guilt you into giving it more water. While giving in and overwatering your grass might soothe your conscience, it can lead to arrhythmia-inducing water bills.
Now is the season for tough love. Read more

District News Articles7/22/2016FAQS ABOUT WATER QUALITY

Platte Canyon staff routinely answers water quality questions from concerned or just curious District customers. Below are some of the most common questions the District receives:
Is Southwest Metropolitan’s tap water safe to drink? Yes, our water more than meets all regulatory mandates and never has violated any standard. Drinking water is regulated through the state health department (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) and the U.S. Environmental Read more

District News Articles7/15/2016SMART SPRINKLER TUNE-UPS IN FOR WARM WEATHER

Did you know that your sprinkler system can use more than half the water at your home during the hot months of the year? This makes it vitally important that your system is in good working order and not leaking, clogged, spraying water into the street or exhibiting any number of problems that can waste water and lead to higher water bills.
These problems can be easily overlooked because the best time to water your yard is at night or in the morning, meaning you could be sending water and money literally down the drain when you sleep. But there are easy solutions if you’re willing to spend a little time checking and fixing your system Read more

District News Articles7/8/2016WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO THE FIRE HYDRANTS?

Have you ever been driving down your street and noticed Platte Canyon workers pouring water from fire hydrants into the streets?
While it may appear that water is being wasted, the annual process of flushing all fire hydrants is an important and necessary preventative activity that maintains and preserves the integrity of the entire water system and helps deliver the highest quality water to our customers. Read more

District News Articles7/8/2016SUMMARY OF JUNE 24, 2016 PLATTE CANYON WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The Board of Directors approved establishment of one additional full time, permanent employment position increasing the District’s full time staff to 14. The job title for the new position is Project / Information Technology Technician. Duties will include assisting the District’s plan review and construction coordinator with mapping and construction inspection documentation duties and assisting all other employees with various information technology functions.
The Board reviewed and approved Read more

District News Articles7/1/2016OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, our office will be closed July 4th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on July 5th at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District News Articles6/24/2016HELP US HELP YOU! HELP STOP VANDALISM OF PLATTE CANYON SEWER MANHOLES

If you see anyone other than District personnel lifting Platte Canyon manhole covers and/or placing objects down sanitary sewer manholes, please call our District 24-Hour office number at 303-979-2333 immediately.
Rocks or anything else dumped down a sewer manhole can result in personal injury, sewage backups and spills into homes, yards, roads and waterways, potentially contaminating vital water sources and causing damage to the entire wastewater collection and treatment system and resulting in expensive clean-up and repairs for both the District and our customers. Read more

District News Articles6/17/2016WARMER WEATHER WELCOMES THE ARRIVAL OF CONSTRUCTION SEASON

With spring and summer comes the beginning of construction season and a continuation of Platte Canyon’s efforts to repair, rehabilitate and replace portions of the District’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. The District has been busy planning two capital improvement projects set to begin construction later this year. Read more

District News Articles6/16/2016Platte Canyon May Board of Directors Meeting Summary

Summary of May 27, 2016 Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors Meeting
Oaths of Office were administered to three directors who were declared elected to the Platte Canyon Board of Directors when the regular Board of Directors election scheduled for May 3, 2016 was cancelled Read more

District News Articles6/3/2016PREVENT POLLUTION IN RUN-OFF WATER

Water that runs off your property into streets, storm sewers and drainage ditches may eventually make its way into reservoirs and streams. As it travels, the water an pick up pollutants that can threaten clean water resources.
Here are some steps you can take to reduce pollution in run-off water:
Read more

District News Articles5/27/2016OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, our office will be closed May 30th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on June 1st at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District News Articles5/27/2016HOMEOWNER RAIN BARREL BILL SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

It is now legal in Colorado - with a few limitations – for homeowners to collect precipitation into rain barrels. House Bill 1005 was signed by Governor Hickenlooper on May 12, permitting “small-capacity rooftop collection.” Under it, people will be able to collect up to 110 gallons of rainfall, in no more than two barrels, from the rooftop of a single-family dwelling, or from multi-family homes of no more than four units is to take effect on August 10, 2016. Legislation with similar goals was proposed in the past, but fell to concerns that collecting rainwater negatively affects water rights Read more

District News Articles5/20/2016ANNUAL DENVER METRO WATER FESTIVAL A HUGE SUCCESS

The annual Denver Metro Water Festival was held on May 17 and garnered rave reviews from all 1255 sixth grade students and 50 teachers and chaperones from Denver and suburban public schools who participated in a day centered around water in Colorado. More than 55 presenters and 70 volunteers including many Platte Canyon staff members worked to make this year’s festival a success.
Festival activities included Read more

With the proper setting of your sprinkler timer (also known as the irrigation controller) you can literally save thousands of gallons of water each year in landscape irrigation, while helping to prevent plant loss or diseases caused by over watering. Just because your sprinkler timer is “automatic” doesn’t mean you can set it and forget it. You’ll need to change the watering schedules as plants become established, month-by-month, and when it rains. Here are some basic tips for getting the most water-use ef?ciency out of your sprinkler timer. Read more

Denver Water’s 2016 Water Quality Report in now available to view on Denver Water’s website. In the past, Denver Water directly mailed these reports to Platte Canyon customers. Hard copy reports will only be made available to District customers upon request.
The Water Quality Report contains a wealth of information about not only the quality of your water but, also, about where your water comes from and how it is treated before it is delivered to your home or business. Read more

District News Articles4/29/2016SUMMER WATERING RULES AND TIPS

Colorado’s snow-packed mountains will fill our reservoirs, but remember that we live in a semiarid climate and must use water wisely. By using only the water you need, you can help minimize impacts to reservoirs during the hottest months of summer when reservoir levels begin to drop. Below you will find watering tips and tools to help you use only what you need.
Watering Tips
Water during cooler times of day - lawn watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Read more

District News Articles4/22/2016PLATTE CANYON IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE COLORADO FOUNDATION FOR WATER EDUCATION AND YOU CAN BE TOO

The Colorado Foundation for Water Education (CFWE) was created by the Colorado General Assembly in 2002 to promote better understanding of water resources through education and information with the ultimate goal of assisting Colorado citizens to understand that water is a limited resource and aid them in making informed water decisions. As the state’s only non-advocacy and non-profit water education organization, CFWE offers a variety of balanced, informational products and events.
CFWE is an inclusive organization, accepting and sharing all the interests and values that relate to water in Colorado. The Foundation relies on its more than 550 members from diverse backgrounds for support, funding, feedback, and participation in water education events and activities. Read more

District News Articles4/15/2016YOU, TOO, CAN BE A SUPERHERO

With all the superhero movies that are popular in Hollywood today, here’s a chance for you and your family to become superheroes too. On April 22 the world will observe the 46th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day is a great excuse to look for ways to conserve the planet's natural resources and its most precious resource is water. With droughts becoming an annual problem in many parts of the West, it's more important than ever to cut back on water waste.
We all celebrate Earth Day differently and Platte Canyon has some advice for all water users: Do one more thing to cut your water use! Below is a list of “one more things” you can do to be an Earth Day superhero on April 21 and everyday of the year.
Read more

District News Articles4/8/2016HOW MUCH WATER AND SEWER SERVICE PIPE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THE PIPES BREAK?

District maintenance and customer service representatives are frequently asked who is responsible to repair breaks on the water and sewer service pipes--the District or the customer? Read more

District News Articles4/7/2016COAL MINE SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT FLOODED BY A WATER BREAK

The Coal Mine Shopping Center parking lot became a miniature lake on April 2 when a privately-owned service line supplying water to the Ace Hardware and Goodwill Store broke resulting in the parking lot being flooded with up to three feet of water in some areas.
Platte Canyon was alerted to the problem by the Littleton Fire Department early Saturday morning. District crews immediately responded to investigate the cause of the flooding. According to Scott Hand, Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District’s Operations Supervisor, the leak was caused by a break in a privately owned water service line that is connected to the District’s water main. This break caused water to be spilled onto the shopping center’s parking lot. Further exacerbating the problem, the parking lot’s drainage system that normally would allow water to drain from the parking lot was not working. Read more

District News Articles4/1/2016GARDENING SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING: BE SURE TO CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

Planning to build a deck or patio, excavate an area for a new garden or plant shrubs this spring? If so, you’re not alone. Roughly half of U.S. homeowners are expected to begin working on some type of outdoor project requiring digging. Before breaking ground, homeowners must call 811 to have underground utility lines marked on their property. Colorado law states that all who wish to dig must first give utilities up to three business days (not including weekends and holidays) to locate facilities which may be impacted by excavation, such as: Read more

District News Articles3/25/2016EXISTING BOARD MEMBERS RUN UNOPPOSED, DISTRICT CANCELS ELECTION

Platte Canyon cancelled its Board of Directors Election scheduled for May 3, 2016 after determining that existing Board members were running unopposed. Colorado Statutes provide for District elections to be cancelled if only one candidate steps forward for each available position on the Board of Directors, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be a write-in candidate Read more

District News Articles3/22/2016CORRECTION TO “WATER RATES TO RISE APRIL 1ST EMPLOYING NEW RATE STRUCTURE” DISTRICT NEWS ARTICLE

In the District news article entitled, “Water Rates To Rise April 1st Employing New Rate Structure” which was posted to this website on February 19, 2016 and included in the most recent edition of the District’s newsletter Your Water, it was reported that under the new rate structure which goes into effect on April 1, 2016, the Tier 1 water rate would be $2.34 per 1,000 gallons of water used and the Tier 2 water rate would be $6.04 per 1,000 gallons of water used. The correct rates should have read $2.80 per 1,000 gallons of water used for Tier 1 usage and $5.04 per 1,000 gallons of water used for Tier 2 usage. Read more

District News Articles3/18/2016PLATTE CANYON JOINS THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN PURCHASING GROUP FOR AUTOMATED DISTRIBUTION

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District has officially joined the Rocky Mountain Purchasing Group to help simplify its bid and RFP distribution process. The Rocky Mountain Purchasing Group is one of BidNet's 15 regional purchasing groups throughout the country which offers participating local government agencies an e-procurement solution. Platte Canyon invites all vendors to register online with the Rocky Mountain Purchasing Group to access its upcoming solicitations. Read more

District News Articles3/11/2016READY TO BE A LEAK DETECTIVE?

Drip…drip…drip…drip… How long have you been ignoring a dripping showerhead? How about a leaky spigot on the side of the house, or a running toilet? You might as well be pouring money down the drain, as fixing these types of easily-corrected household water leaks can save customers more than 10% on their water bills - and a precious natural resource according the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Indeed, the EPA estimates that household leaks waste more than one trillion gallons of water annually nationwide.
Ready to chase down leaks? Hunt down drips during the EPA-sponsored Fix-a- Leak Week March 14–20 or simply check out the tips below to fix leaks and save valuable water and money any time of year Read more

District News Articles3/4/2016KID’S CORNER - LEARN ABOUT WATER AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DENVER

Looking for something fun to do with your kids this spring break? Why not visit the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus and explore it’s new exhibit WATER? WATER is a 2,200-square-foot “hands-in” water laboratory focused on teaching families about how people interact with water. That’s right, you can actually play in and with water. This fun exhibit will let you and the kids test theories behind flow, buoyancy, density and displacement, all while having a soaking good time.
This new exhibit will let you experience several ways that water plays a very important role in your lives. You can: Read more

District News Articles2/26/20162016 SANITARY SEWER RATES INCREASE TO BEGIN IN JUNE

The Littleton City Council voted recently to increase the 2016 annual sewer treatment charges by 2% from $226.31 to $230.84 for Platte Canyon residential customers. The increase is expected to be reflected in customer’s annual sanitary sewer service bills beginning in June.
Sanitary sewer charges cover wastewater treatment processing costs for eight water and sanitation districts plus the City of Littleton. All Platte Canyon wastewater is conveyed by the collection system to the Littleton-Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant at Dartmouth Avenue and Santa Fe Drive for processing before being discharged to the South Platte River Read more

District News Articles2/19/2016WATER RATES TO RISE APRIL 1ST EMPLOYING NEW RATE STRUCTURE

Although Denver Water’s current rate structure has been in place for 20 years, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted a new structure in December of 2015 designed to balance three objectives: affordability, conservation and revenue stability.
The rate changes are scheduled to take effect April 1 and are expected to reflect current water-use habits and provide a buffer for more frequent extreme weather fluctuations. These weather fluctuations result in inconsistent revenue, making it harder to plan for and complete repairs and upgrades to the water distribution system. The new rate structure will shift from a heavy reliance on usage to a more stable fixed fee during the next few years. As such, future rate increases are expected to be less subject to bigger jumps caused by unpredictable weather.
The impact of the new rate structure to individual customer bills is expected to vary depending upon customer water usage Read more

District News Articles2/10/2016DENVER WATER WARNS OF PAYMENT SCAMS

Denver Water would like to warn Platte Canyon customers of a payment scam that seems to be making the rounds this week. Denver Water reports that Monday, a handful of customers reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to be with Denver Water and asking for payment. Read more

District News Articles2/4/2016FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WATER QUALITY

Is Platte Canyon’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, our water more than meets all regulatory mandates and never has violated any standard. Drinking water is regulated through the state health department (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Where does our water come from?
The District distributes water obtained from Denver Water. The sources of this water are primarily runoff from snowmelt high in the Rocky Mountains. The portion of the South Platte River that runs through the metro area is not a source for Denver Water. Read more

District News Articles1/29/2016HOME MAKEOVER? REBATES CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

Denver Water is once again offering residential rebates for Platte Canyon customers. These rebates help offset the cost of replacing inefficient fixtures with new, water-efficient fixtures. District customers can receive rebates for buying and installing qualifying High-Efficiency Toilets, Rotary Nozzles, and Weather Based Smart Controllers. The rebates will be available for purchases made between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Read more

District News Articles1/29/2016RECREATION TO BE LIMITED AT WATERTON CANYON

Hikers and bikers that recreate in Waterton Canyon will have limited access to the canyon’s trails over the coming months.
According to Denver Water, beginning Feb. 2, the lower portion of Waterton Canyon, including the main entrance and parking lot, will be closed Monday through Saturday until May 15, as crews replace a deteriorating, 146-year-old diversion structure in the South Platte River. Read more

Sewer backups can originate within the customer’s sewer service pipe or within Platte Canyon’s sewer main for a number of reasons. The most common cause of backups is tree roots growing into the customer’s service pipe. Occasionally, however, roots can also infiltrate the District’s sewer mains through individual service pipes or through pipe joints. Another common cause of backups is grease buildup that can occur in either customer or District owned pipes Read more

District News Articles1/15/2016PLATTE CANYON WELCOMES NEW ASSISTANT DISTRICT MANAGER

Following an extensive search, Platte Canyon has hired Ashley Dalton to fill the assistant district manager position. Dalton is a Colorado native and has roots in the Platte Canyon and Southwest Metropolitan communities where he graduated from Chatfield High School. Following high school, he obtained a degree in Water Utility Administration from Metropolitan State (now Metropolitan State University of Denver). Most recently he served as the water plant supervisor for the City of Golden. Read more

District News Articles1/1/2016BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2016

The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District and Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Subdistrict No. 1 and No. 2 Board of Directors have established the following schedule for Board meetings in 2016: Read more

The Littleton City Council voted to increase the 2016 annual sewer treatment charges from $226.31 to $230.84 for Platte Canyon residential customers; a 2% increase. This increase is expected to be reflected in customer’s annual sanitary sewer service bills beginning in June 2016.
Sanitary sewer charges cover wastewater treatment processing costs for eight water and sanitation districts plus the City of Littleton. All Platte Canyon wastewater is conveyed by the collection system to the Littleton-Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant at Dartmouth Avenue and Santa Fe Drive for processing before being discharged to the South Platte River. The plant is jointly owned and operated by the cities of Littleton and Englewood. Read more

District News Articles12/18/2015DENVER WATER STUDYING RATE INCREASE AND NEW RATE STRUCTURE

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners is considering an increase in water rates effective April 1, 2016. The water consumption charges for Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District customers are proposed to increase approximately 3.8% with the fixed monthly service charge increasing from $6.74 to $8.79. Along with an increase in rates, the Board is considering adoption of a new rate structure. Read more

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2016 - 2025. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater infrastructure expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects as well as vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy of budgeting and cash flow analysis. As the District’s facilities age and approach the end of their useful life, the capital plan enables the District to be proactive in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation.
The 2016 - 2025 capital plan proposes expenditure of $1,251,326 in 2016 Read more

District News Articles12/11/2015BOARD ADOPTS 2016 BUDGET

The District’s 2016 budget was approved by the Platte Canyon Board of Directors following a public hearing held November 20. The budget calls for general fund expenditures amounting to $2,410,121 and capital expenditures totaling $1,347,999. Combined expenses are $3,758,119 which is $910,183 less than expected revenue of $2,847,936. The deficit will be funded by transferring funds from the District’s reserve fund and will not require an increase in the District’s property tax mill levy.
Platte Canyon’s mill levy will remain at 7.104 mills in 2016, the same levy assessed each year since 2005 Read more

The District’s sole capital improvement construction project was completed on August 28, 2015 by Insituform Technologies at a cost of $120,791.
The project consisted of cured-in-place lining of 3,383 feet of 8-inch pipe in West Rowland Avenue, South Normandy Circle, West Quarles Drive, and South Windsor Court in the Normandy Estates Subdivision. Forty service connections were reestablished and fourteen manholes were spray lined as part of the project. Read more

District News Articles12/3/2015OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS

The District office is scheduled to closed the following dates: Read more

District News Articles11/27/2015EASY TIPS TO SAVE WATER DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Platte Canyon is offering easy tips to prepare for your holiday meals and parties without running up your water bill.
Water impacts everything from food preparation to the clean-up process during the holiday. For example, a typical holiday turkey dinner for eight needs more than 42,000 gallons of water in food growth and preparation, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. That's enough water to fill a 30 foot-by-50 foot swimming pool.
Appliances and fixtures such as dishwashers, clothes washers, showers and toilets, are being used more often. However, there are ways to save water while celebrating the holidays this year. Read more

District News Articles11/18/2015LEAVING TOWN FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS? MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS READY FOR YOUR VACATION

Before you head off to Grandma’s house for the holidays, we recommend the following tips to help prevent unexpected damage from freezing while you’re away.
Turn off and drain automatic and manual sprinkler systems: It is surprising how many frantic calls the District receives from customers reporting that their vacationing neighbor’s sprinkler system has ruptured from the freezing and thawing cycle that is common in Colorado during the fall and winter months. Ruptured sprinkler lines can cause damaging flooding into the home’s foundation, neighboring properties and even have been known to create an ice rink on driveways, sidewalks and streets resulting in walking and driving hazards for passersby. To prevent costly property damage and possible law suits, ensure that your sprinkler system is prepared for your time away from home. Read more

District News Articles11/9/2015DISTRICT RECEIVING NUMEROUS CALLS ABOUT HIGH WATER BILLS

The District has been receiving numerous calls from customers reporting that they received higher water bills (sometimes double or triple) than compared to the same time last year. The calls have been so numerous in the Denver Metro area that it prompted 9News to cover this very topic last week on-air (Denver Water explains abnormally higher than normal water bills).
In response to this coverage, Denver Water put out a blog article on November 6 titled, Does your water bill seem high? You’re not alone to help explain why District customers are seeing summer-like water bills in the fall. Read more

District News Articles11/6/2015FLUSHABLE WIPES ARE NOT

Just as disposable diapers are now considered a necessity for babies, disposable wipes (also known as “wet” wipes, baby wipes, or even adult wipes) have become a staple in every household. Besides being marketed to new parents, special-use wipes are being marketed to women to help them feel "fresh" or to everyone in general “to feel confidently clean” -- thanks a lot, Madison Avenue.
We're hooked on the convenience of these pre-moistened squares that are boldly labeled “flushable”. But here's the problem: A lot of them end up down the toilet, and none are flushable no matter what the packaging states. Well, they flush just fine -- but the cloth-like products don't disintegrate the way toilet paper does. That's where it starts to cost local utilities and you money. Read more

District News Articles10/30/2015DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTOR CO-AUTHORS ARTICLE ON THE HISTORY OF THE COLUMBINE COMMUNITY

Platte Canyon’s own Lou Fohn, a member of the District’s Board of Directors has co-authored an article with Charles Hause, who is a member of Southwest Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District’s Board of Directors, in the most recent edition of Historically Jeffco magazine. Mr. Fohn and Mr. Hause are both life-long residents of the “Columbine community” in which Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District and its customers reside.
The article entitled, Columbine community survives and thrives, gives District residents the history of the Columbine Community from its initial development in 1907 by families who’s descendants still reside here today and covers the community’s significant development milestones to include: the community’s water and infrastructure, the demand for housing during the Cold War and the existence of the Columbine Airport. Read more

District News Articles10/23/2015FALL LAWN CARE WILL PAY DIVIDENDS IN THE SPRING!

Many homeowners stop watering in early fall however historic rain fall data shows that about ½ an inch per week of irrigation can still be needed in the fall to maintain healthy turf for the start of winter. If the lawn is stressed going into winter this can cause problems in the spring. The fall is a good time to get the grass into good shape after a hot summer. Fall watering is also essential for late season fertilization to work most efficiently Read more

District News Articles10/16/2015WATER SOFTENERS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A water softener is a mechanical unit designed to remove hardness from water. Softened water allows soap to form suds easily. It does not build up scale in boilers or hot water heaters and does not leave large mineral deposits on plumbing fixtures, glass shower/tub doors, swamp coolers and cooking utensils.
Potential Problems: A water softener requires maintenance to ensure the unit is performing properly. We recommend the unit be serviced regularly. Read more

District News Articles10/9/2015TROUBLE WITH YOUR SEWER SERVICE?

Don’t get caught paying for major repair of your sewer service line when it may not be necessary. When you have a sewer backup in your home, the first thing you think about is how do I make sure this doesn’t happen again. Many sewer service companies are telling customers that the only way to avoid this is to have the sewer service line completely replaced. This is a very expensive solution that can end up costing many thousands of dollars. Many times a total replacement of the service line is not necessary.
Here are some recommended steps to take if you experience sewer service trouble and before considering having the service line replaced: Read more

District News Articles10/2/2015EXPERIENCING LOW WATER PRESSURE?

Many homeowners have experienced the irritation of dealing with low water pressure in the house at least once. Low water pressure makes simple daily activities, such as showering, washing your dishes or watering your lawn, frustrating and time consuming, but finding the cause can be the most irksome aspect of this common plumbing problem.
So what causes a home's low water pressure? Here are some of the usual suspects Read more

District News Articles9/25/2015WHAT IS THE PINK STUFF IN MY TOILET, SHOWER OR PET’S DISH?

What is that occasional pink stuff in your toilet, shower, pet’s dish or in your teen aged son’s bathroom sink? It’s most likely a bacteria called Serratia marcescens bacteria. That’s a lab dish full of it in the photo to the left.
Each year, a few customers call the District to ask about a slimy pink substance that sometimes forms in moist areas around their homes. They most frequently observe it in toilet bowls, on surfaces in shower stalls and bathtub enclosures, on tiles, in sinks, and in pet water dishes Read more

District News Articles9/18/2015WHAT IS THE STORY ABOUT FLUORIDE IN MY WATER?

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency changed the standards and guidelines on fluoride in drinking water. Addition of fluoride to drinking water supplies is recommended by Centers for Disease Control, HHS, and the American Dental Association to help prevent tooth decay, particularly in children. It was recognized by the CDC as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. The agency lowered the recommended concentration of fluoride from a range of 0.7–1.2 mg/L to a flat 0.7 mg/L. Denver Water (the District’s water source) began targeting the 0.7 milligrams per liter in its water in January 2011 when this level was first proposed by the HHS.
At its meeting on August 26, 2015, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners voted to uphold Denver Water’s more than 60-year-old policy Read more

District News Articles9/11/2015ARE YOU OVERWATERING YOUR LAWN?

In the heat of summer, most of us are worried about our lawns drying out. But it turns out overwatering can be as much of a hazard to your lawn as underwatering.
You have probably heard the old adage “Too much of a good thing is a bad thing.” While this may not be true when it comes to things like, say, healthy foods, it definitely holds true for your lawn. Grass needs balance in all things to look its best. Too much sunshine and the grass becomes dry; too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer and you risk diseases and fungi; too much mowing can cause grass to become stressed. You get the picture, but if the moisture your grass needs to live is out of balance, you will start to see signs of lawn damage. Read more

District News Articles8/28/2015ARE YOU LOST IN A FOG?

What is FOG? No it isn’t a cloud that has invaded your home, rather FOG or FOGs is an acronym for Fat(s), Oil, and Grease. FOG is composed of animal and vegetable fats and oils that are common in every home. It can come from many sources, including meat fats, lard, cooking oil, shortening, butter and margarine, dairy products, sauces, food scraps, and even cat litter.
FOGs aren’t just bad for your arteries and your waistline; they are bad for sewer pipes as well. They can stick to the walls of the drainage pipes that carry wastewater from your home to the treatment plant if poured down a sink drain or toilet. Eventually, the entire pipe can become blocked and prevent the flow of wastewater. This causes the sanitary sewer to overflow and can cause wastewater to back up inside or outside your home. Sewer backups and overflows can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and threaten the environment. FOG is the number one cause of public and private sewage spills. Read more

District News Articles8/21/2015WHAT IS A CURB STOP AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

District maintenance employees are occasionally asked to respond to situations where broken sprinkling system pipes or water service lines are flooding adjacent properties. When no one is home at the site of the break, the District must act to prevent property damage and water loss. Read more

District News Articles8/14/2015THE DROUGHT IS OVER RIGHT? NOT SO FAST…

A federal report says Colorado is no longer in drought. Yay! The drought is over! Let’s open the tap and let the water flow! After all, a recent federal report shows that nearly all of Colorado is free from any type of drought designation. We are drought-free for the first time since 2009. It’s time to celebrate, right?
Not so fast. If you’ve lived in Colorado for any length of time, you know better. In our semi-arid climate, the next drought is always lurking right around the corner and our long-term water supply is always threatened. Read more

District News Articles8/7/2015WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU FLUSH?

What exactly happens after you flush? It might be something you've never considered, or it might be a question you've never had the guts to ask. Either way, it's one of life's little curiosities: what happens to our waste after we flush the toilet, take a shower, wash clothes or wash dishes? Where does it go?
Read more

District News Articles7/24/2015KNOW WHAT TO DO IF A LEAK OCCURS

The District occasionally receives calls from distressed homeowners that are experiencing a water leak and do not know how to shut off their water. While the District will dispatch maintenance employees to assist homeowners in these situations, Read more

District News Articles7/17/2015DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR WATER AND SEWER BILLS?

Platte Canyon does not bill its customers directly for their water or sewer services, rather it contracts with Denver Water and the City of Littleton. As such, Platte Canyon does not have access to individual customer billing accounts and cannot assist with billing questions/problems. District customers must contact Denver Water and the City of Littleton directly. Please see below for more information: Read more

District News Articles7/10/2015THERE’S NO WATER COMING OUT OF MY FAUCET, WHAT’S GOING ON?

Your water service may be interrupted due to one of a variety of reasons which can include; routine maintenance to our water distribution system and scheduled water main improvements. Service may also be interrupted due to an unforeseen emergency such as a water break and to causes that are not in the District’s control such as the customer has failed to pay their water bill.
Listed below are the most common situations where water service interruptions can occur and helpful tips to follow in such cases: Read more

District News Articles6/25/2015SEVERAL BRANDS OF BOTTLED WATER RECALLED OVER E. COLI FEARS

Before you take a sip of your next bottled water, take a good look at the label. Niagara Bottling company, based in Pennsylvania, issued a voluntary recall of several of its bottled water brands due to possible E. coli contamination, according to the company’s official statement.
The contamination is linked to one of the springs Niagara Read more

District News Articles6/12/2015BEWARE OF SEWER REPAIR SCAMS

The District has once again been receiving calls from concerned homeowners who have been told their sewer service pipes are deteriorating and are in imminent damage of failure. The situation normally starts with a video (TV) inspection of the homeowner’s sewer pipe by a disreputable contractor. The contractor will locate a minor flaw in the pipe and attempt to convince the homeowner that the condition must be repaired immediately. A recording of the inspection is not provided unless an additional amount is paid. This prevents the homeowner from seeking a second opinion of the extent of the reported damage.
Read more

District News Articles6/5/2015DISTRICT DELUGED WITH WATER IN BASEMENT CALLS

The District has been flooded with calls from District residents reporting water seeping into their basement. They have also stated that this has never happened in all the years they’ve resided at their home. The District has received a lot of moisture these past several weeks due to the almost daily rain storms that the area has been experiencing. Because of all this moisture, the ground water table is above normal levels and causes water to penetrate areas that historically have never been affected.
If you have a sump pump, make sure it is functioning properly. It is wise to check on your sump pump daily during these wet times Read more

District News Articles5/29/2015KEEP HYDRANTS CLEAR FOR SAFETY

If you can’t see the fire hydrant from the street then usually a fire fighter can’t either! Although the fire department has very detailed information on the location of each fire hydrant in the District, in the dark of night or if there is heavy smoke, it is difficult to locate a fire hydrant that is covered by bushes, trees, landscaping, or other obstructions such as decorative walls and could cost precious time in the attempt to save lives and property. Every second counts!
Both Platte Canyon and the Littleton Fire Department require fire hydrants remain visible and accessible at all times. The District and the Fire Department must have unimpeded access to connect their hoses and equipment in routine maintenance and emergency situations. District and Fire Department regulations require that all fire hydrants be clear of bushes, fences, posts, decorative landscaping, and other obstructions a minimum of 3 feet of the rear and on each side of the hydrant and full clearance in front. Read more

District News Articles5/15/2015KNOW YOUR WATER DEVICE SERIES: HOT WATER HEATER

Most water heaters sold in the United States are tank-type, using either gas or electric heating elements. They are available in various capacities, with most residential water heaters being made in 30, 40 or 50 gallon capacities. Proper maintenance of your water heater will not only extend the life of the appliance, but provide an efficient and problem-free supply of hot water. Here are some maintenance tips for your water heater: Read more

Remember the drinking fountain, that once ubiquitous, and free, source of water? It seems quaint now. Instead, bottled water is everywhere, in offices, gyms, airplanes, stores, homes and restaurants across the country. We consumed almost 12 billion gallons of the stuff in 2014 and that amount is expected to increase by 4.3% this year. It's refreshing, calorie-free, convenient to carry around, tastier than some tap water and a lot healthier than sugary sodas. But more and more, people are questioning whether the water is safe, or at least safer than tap water--and if the convenience is worth the excessive price. Read more

District News Articles5/1/2015FAQ SERIES: WHAT IS THAT IN MY WATER? COLOR AND SEDIMENT

When the water from your faucet is brown it may be the result of a disturbance in the water main. Even though your water is filtered, over time a very fine layer of iron and sediment can develop on the bottom of the water mains that can be stirred up during routine maintenance or capital construction rehabilitation. While the water is still safe to drink, it isn’t very pleasant to look at. Hydraulic disturbances Read more

District News Articles4/30/2015GOVERNOR HICKENLOOPER PROCLAIMS MAY 3RD THROUGH MAY 9TH SAFE DRINKING WATER WEEK IN COLORADO

For more than 35 years the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week – a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in our daily lives. In recognition that water is an essential, yet limited natural resource which may be contaminated naturally and by human activity and in recognition of the professionals who provide safe drinking water in spite of fires, floods, and other every-changing forces to the citizens of Colorado, Gov. Hickenlooper has proclaimed the week of May 3rd through May 9th Safe Drinking Water Week in Colorado. Read more

District News Articles4/17/2015I HAVE A LEAK/BREAK ON MY SERVICE LINE, WILL THE DISTRICT FIX IT?

District staff are frequently asked who is responsible to repair leak/breaks on the water and sewer service pipes--the District or the customer?
These are the pipes that extend between the District’s water and sewer mains, usually located in the street, and the customer’s residence or business. Under District regulations, which are consistent with most other Colorado water and sewer service providers, the customer owns and maintains the entire water and sewer pipe up to, and including, the connection to the District’s main, regardless of whether the pipe is located in the street or on the customer’s property. As a service to customers, Read more

District News Articles4/10/20155 PERFECTLY PAINLESS WATER $AVERS

With water bills rising and water levels decreasing due to drought, it makes eco-sense and dollar cents to conserve. Here are five painless ways to get started. Read more

Drip…drip…drip…drip… How long have you been ignoring that pitter patter coming from the shower? How about the leaky spigot on the side of the house, or that running toilet? You might as well be pouring money down the drain! Fixing easily corrected household water leaks like these can save customers more than 10 percent on their water bills--and a precious natural resource. Read more

District News Articles2/20/2015KNOW YOUR WATER DEVICE SERIES: HOW TO READ YOUR WATER METER

One way to keep track of how much water you use is to read your own water meter every now and then. Proper water usage and conservation is an effective method for all citizens to help manage our available water resources. Understanding your water usage and finding and repairing leaks on a timely basis will contribute to the overall management of our resources and save you money. Read more

District News Articles2/13/2015THIS YEAR MAKE WATER YOUR VALENTINE: COLORADO WATER - LIVE LIKE YOU LOVE IT

This Valentine’s Day when you’re thinking about the things you love in your life why not add water to the list. Water is one of the things that you literally cannot live without and in Colorado it is becoming as precious as gold.
Extensive research conducted by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and other water interests in the state has shown that Coloradans, particularly younger and minority audiences and newcomers to the state, lack vital information Read more

District News Articles2/6/2015FAQ SERIES: WHY DOES MY WATER TASTE OR SMELL STRANGE?

Taste And / Or Odor
It is very difficult to separate taste from odor because these two human senses are so closely related. Most occurrences of a peculiar taste or odor that you may experience can be grouped into one of the following two categories: Read more

District News Articles1/30/2015PLATTE CANYON PREPARES FOR THIS YEAR'S CONSTRUCTION SEASON

With spring and summer comes construction season and a continuation of Platte Canyon’s efforts to repair, rehabilitate and replace portions of the District’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Platte Canyon plans to kick off two capital improvement projects this year: Read more

District News Articles1/2/2015BOARD ADOPTS 2015 BUDGET

The District’s 2015 budget was approved by the Platte Canyon Board of Directors following a public hearing November 21. The budget calls for general fund expenditures of $2,187,285 and capital expenditures of $1,514,748. Total expenses, $3,702,033, will exceed projected 2015 revenue of $2,507,604 by $1,194,429. The deficit will be funded by a transfer from the District’s reserve fund and will not result in higher taxes.
The District will assess a property tax mill levy of 7.104 mills in 2015 Read more

District News Articles12/26/2014WATER RATES TO RISE IN 2015

The Denver Board of Water commissioners approved an increase in water rates for meters read on or after February 1, 2015. The water consumption charges for Read and Bill customers, of Denver Water, which includes all Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District customers, will increase 3.1% with the fixed monthly serve charge increasing from $6.58 to $6.74 Read more

District News Articles12/26/20142015 SEWER RATE INCREASE ANTICIPATED

City of Littleton officials have proposed a sanitary sewer rate increase in 2015. The Littleton City Council is expected to consider a 2% increase in annual sewer treatment charges during its January 2015 meeting. If approved, the increase is expected to be reflected in customer’s annual sanitary sewer service bills beginning in June 2015. The current sewer service charge for Platte Canyon residential customers is $221.87 per year Read more

District News Articles12/22/2014COLORADO’S WATER PLAN AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD

Colorado's Water Plan An Important Step Forward
By James Eklund
No single issue will have a more direct impact on Colorado’s future than our ability to successfully and collaboratively manage our life-giving water.
Water pumps the beating heart of Colorado’s sublime appeal Read more

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2014 - 2023. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects as well as vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be proactive in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation.
The 2015 - 2024 Capital Master Plan proposes Read more

One of the most common causes of flood damage in the home is from ruptured washing machine hoses. If you haven’t checked the water supply hoses on your washer in the last 5 years, you should consider replacing them. A small investment of $20 to $30 will prevent costly damage to your home, as well as save you the cost of the water that can be lost through a failure of these hoses Read more

District News Articles11/7/2014KIDS CORNER: THE WATER CYCLE

Run and get a glass of water and put it on the table next to you. Take a good long look at the water. Now -- can you guess how old it is? The water in your glass may have fallen from the sky as rain just last week, but the water itself has been around pretty much as long as the earth has!
When the first fish crawled out of the ocean onto the land, your glass of water was part of that ocean. When the Brachiosaurus walked through lakes feeding on plants or drinking at water ponds, your glass of water was part of those lakes and ponds Read more

District News Articles10/24/2014TOO CUTE TO POLLUTE? THE SCOOP ON PETS, POLLUTION, AND WATER QUALITY

Looks, size, and diet don’t matter – pets can pollute if you don’t pick up after them. That’s because pet waste left on the ground eventually contaminates the watershed. Waste components like fecal bacteria and nutrients are washed into storm drains, streams, and other receiving waters by irrigation, rain, melting snow, and flooding. They can also simply leach through the soil and into the groundwater. Even waste from smaller pets can have an impact on the local water environment.
It doesn’t take long for one pet’s daily contribution to accumulate into a harmful quantity. Pet waste steals oxygen from the water, killing fish and other wildlife and plants. Nutrients from animal waste feed algae growth that can degrade water quality. The related bacteria can also cause sickness and threaten a community’s economic vitality. Whether left in an area that is rural or urban, wet or dry, wooded or open fields, paved or unpaved, or even your own backyard, pet waste can end up contaminating the watershed. Read more

District News Articles10/17/2014DEEP ROOT WATER TREES TO PREPARE FOR WINTER

Most of us don’t think about the fact that trees need water during the winter. They drop their leaves and go into an apparent dormant state, so we tend to forget about them. What we don’t realize is that beneath the ground there is still plenty of activity going on. The roots continue to grow throughout the winter and need adequate water to survive.
There are few outward signs of drought stress on deciduous trees during the winter. During months when they have leaves, drought is noticeable because of leaf yellowing, wilting, curling at edges, brown tips, and dropping leaves. During the winter though, there are no leaves to act as drought indicators. Evergreens on the other hand, may turn yellow, red or purple. They also may turn brown at the tips of the needles and the browning may progress through the needle towards the twig.
Often times, drought stress may not kill a tree outright but it will set it up for more serious secondary disease and insect infestations in following years. To insure a good growing season, care must be taken to supplement the water needs of the trees throughout the year.
Read more

District News Articles10/17/2014COLD WEATHER IS ON THE WAY TIME TO WATCH THE FORECAST

You wake up on a cold morning and go to turn on the water…and nothing happens. This scenario is a common problem during Colorado’s cold fall and winter months - frozen or broken household pipes. The same natural forces that trigger cold-weather breaks in Platte Canyon's underground water mains can cause pipes to freeze and/or burst in your own plumbing systems.
In the next couple of weeks customers should be prepared to watch the weather forecast for the arrival of cold weather. Very cold weather can come any time at the beginning of October and the average first frost in the Denver area is October 7th. A hard freeze before systems are winterized could result in expensive repairs. Here are some tips to help you prepare when cold winter weather hits: Read more

District News Articles10/10/2014EBOLA NOT A WATERBORNE ILLNESS

Water utilities have begun receiving inquiries regarding Ebola. Below are a few facts and resources to reinforce that Ebola cannot spread through the water supply.
The Ebola virus causes an acute illness that is often fatal with a death rate of up to 90%. Ebola virus disease first appeared in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, one in a remote area of Sudan and the other in a village near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from which the disease takes its name. The current outbreak in West Africa (the first cases reported in March 2014) is the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the Ebola virus was first discovered. The current outbreak has spread through both urban and rural areas.
Ebola is not a foodborne, waterborne, or airborne illness. The virus is transmitted to humans Read more

District News Articles10/3/2014FALL LAWN CARE WILL PAY DIVIDENDS IN THE SPRING!

Many homeowners stop watering in early fall however historic rain fall data shows that about ½ an inch per week of irrigation can still be needed in the fall to maintain healthy turf for the start of winter. If the lawn is stressed going into winter this can cause problems in the spring. The fall is a good time to get the grass into good shape after a hot summer. Fall watering is also essential for late season fertilization to work most efficiently. Read more

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, September 27, 2014, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Read more

District News Articles9/12/2014RECYCLE YOUR JEANS AND SAVE WATER

Blue jeans were invented by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss in 1873. Starting in the 1950s, jeans, originally designed for cowboys, became popular among teenagers. We all love them. We all have them. In fact, most of us have a lot of them. According to a Cotton Inc. survey, the average American owns 8.3 pairs of jeans, with American teens averaging 11 pairs. But when you factor in that it takes 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make just one pair of jeans, some consideration should go into what we do with them when we no longer wear them Read more

District News Articles9/4/20142013 ANNUAL AUDIT POSTED

The District has posted its annual financial report as of and for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 prepared by Schilling and Company.
To view the audit Read more

District News Articles8/22/2014WATER SAVER TIP: THE PROS AND CONS OF GARBAGE DISPOSALS

Garbage disposals are popular in homes because they are convenient; in many cases, plates can be cleaned off directly into the sink instead of the trash can. Many modern homes are built with a garbage disposal attached to the kitchen sink drain. They can be very advantageous when used properly, but improper use can lead to expensive repairs. In addition, they can use a lot of water, which costs you money Read more

District News Articles8/1/2014CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION SEASON HAS ARRIVED

The following capital improvement projects are scheduled to begin this summer:
S. Chase Wy. Water Main Replacement
The S. Chase Wy. Water Main Replacement proposes replacement of 1,560 feet of 6-inch cast iron pipe in S. Chase Wy. between W. Rowland Pl. and S. Sheridan Ct. in the Columbine Knolls Subdivision. The existing pipeline was installed in 1968 and has experienced three electrolysis caused failures. A number of pipelines in the general Read more

District News Articles7/25/2014INAUGURAL YOUTH WATER FESTIVAL A HUGE SUCCESS!

The first annual Denver Metro Water Festival garnered rave reviews from all participants. The festival served 825 sixth grade students and 25 teachers from both Denver public schools and seven suburban schools. Over 50 presenters and 80 volunteers worked to make this year’s festival a success.
The festival was a half day event held at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. The day began with students arriving on campus and being greeted by a large bubble machine – a huge hit with the students – and festival guides who remained with each group of students throughout the day to ensure they did not get lost and made it to their assigned activities Read more

District News Articles7/4/2014COLORADO PROCLAIMS JULY AS SMART IRRIGATION MONTH

Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed July as Smart Irrigation Month for the state of Colorado.
Smart Irrigation Month, an Irrigation Association initiative, takes place throughout July, traditionally the month of peak demand in North America, and is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the value of water-use efficiency, water-saving products, practices and services. Read more

District News Articles6/27/2014DISTRICT WELCOMES ITS NEWEST EMPLOYEE

The District would like to welcome it’s newest employee, Tony Cocozzella. Tony came to Platte Canyon as the District’s Project and Construction Coordinator. Tony is a native Coloradoan from Wheat Ridge where he still resides today. Tony is a graduate of Jefferson High School. He was a student of Ashford University in Iowa specializing in organization management. Tony was employed at Denver Water for 39 years as project manager and plan review and inspection coordinator before his retirement this year.
Tony’s duties at Platte Canyon include review of water and sewer construction plans for new development, supervision of engineering plans for District capital construction projects, and construction management and inspection Read more

District News Articles6/20/2014IMPROVING IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY

For many, a lush green lawn is a symbol of proud homeownership as well as a pleasant place on which to relax or play. Lawns, however, require a lot of water--water which, depending where you live, may be in short supply. As we become more aware of our impact on the environment -- and our need for it -- we search for ways to use energy more efficiently and conserve water. Using water efficiently not only saves money, but also helps the environment. Most of us over-water our lawns, so the most important thing that we can do is learn how much water our lawn needs and the best times and methods to deliver the water. Below are tips to help you to determine if your lawn is need of watering and tips to improve your irrigation efficiency Read more

District News Articles6/13/2014RETHINK WHAT YOU DRINK: TAP WATER vs. BOTTLED - WHICH IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?

Remember the drinking fountain, that once ubiquitous, and free, source of water? It seems quaint now. Instead, bottled water is everywhere, in offices, gyms, airplanes, stores, homes and restaurants across the country. We consumed over nine billion gallons of the stuff in 2013, a 14 percent increase from 2006. It's refreshing, calorie-free, convenient to carry around, tastier than some tap water and a lot healthier than sugary sodas. But more and more, people are questioning whether the water is safe, or at least safer than tap water--and if the convenience is worth the excessive price. Read more

District News Articles6/6/2014SAVE WATER AND MONEY DON'T WASH YOUR CAR AT HOME

If one of your weekend to-do’s is washing your car in the driveway, you’re not much different from many homeowners who feel like they will save water and money. But that could not be further from the truth.
Typical equipment to wash your car at home can use 41 gallons of fresh water, and washing a car with a garden hose can use more than that amount of water in as little as 6 minutes. But that’s only half the story. Washing your car at home also sends detergents into storm sewers where they can eventually contaminate local water sources.
But don’t despair. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to wash your car, while you save water and money, you may not have to look any further than your local carwash. Read more

District News Articles5/30/2014LANDSCAPING AROUND METER PITS AND FIRE HYDRANTS

Platte Canyon requires a minimum three foot “clear” radius around water meter pits to be maintained. The shut-off valve for your water service is located in the meter pit. Hiding or covering the pit makes operation and maintenance difficult and increases the likelihood of delays, additional charges on your water bill and property damage, should the water line break inside your house.
makes operation and maintenance difficult and increases the likelihood of delays, additional charges on your water bill and property damage, should the water line break inside your house.
Both Platte Canyon and the Littleton Fire Department require fire hydrants remain visible and accessible at all times. The District and the Fire Department must have unimpeded access to connect their hoses and equipment in routine maintenance and emergency situations. District and Fire Department regulations require that all fire hydrants be clear of bushes, fences, posts, decorative landscaping, and other obstructions a minimum of 3 feet of the rear and on each side of the hydrant and full clearance in front.
Read more

District News Articles5/16/2014DENVER WATER HAS CHANGED THEIR PROCEDURES FOR CUSTOMERS WHO EXPERIENCE ACCIDENTAL LOSS OF WATER THROUGH WATER LEAKS

In previous years, customers billed by Denver Water were allowed to apply for two billing adjustments in a single year for water estimated to have been accidentally lost by a leak due to underground leaks, such as running toilets, mechanical failure, and other unintentional occurrences.
The new program will now be known as a Leak Adjustment, which includes underground and indoor leaks that are not reasonably discovered by a customer (i.e. the leak is not obvious). The Read more

District News Articles5/7/2014DROUGHT OR NO DROUGHT, SMART WATER USE IS ESSENTIAL

After responding to multiple years of drought conditions, Denver Water stresses the importance of using water efficiently, regardless of the weather.
“We just came out of a severe drought, and our customers did a great job of answering our call to save even more water than usual last year,” said Greg Fisher, Denver Water’s manager of demand planning. “But, water conservation isn’t a drought response; it must be a permanent way of life for all of us.”
To help eliminate outdoor water waste, Denver Water implements annual summer water use rules, which began May 1, 2014.
The watering rules, which help facilitate smart irrigation, include: Read more

District News Articles5/2/2014NATIONAL DRINKING WATER WEEK, MAY 4-10

As National Drinking Water Week activities begin, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) joins water professionals across North America in urging consumers to evaluate how they currently value, use and access water, and how to protect it into the future
North America's water systems are critical to maintaining public health, economic vitality, fire protection and quality of life. However, current trends in population, economic growth, energy, climate and pollution affect water usage and the critical infrastructure the system needs to function properly. Read more

District News Articles4/25/2014DON'T TURN THOSE SPRINKLERS ON YET!

We need your help!
More than half the water used between May and October is used for landscape irrigation. Based on community water use figures, 40% to 50% of that landscape irrigation water is wasted! This is often due to poor irrigation system design, poor maintenance, poor management and the fact that past irrigation system design was seldom focused on water conservation. Read more

District News Articles4/18/2014PLATTE CANYON GEARS UP FOR CONSTRUCTION SEASON

With spring and summer comes construction season and a continuation of Platte Canyon’s efforts to repair, rehabilitate and replace portions of the District’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Platte Canyon plans to kick off two major capital improvement projects this summer and expects work on these projects to continue through fall.
South Chase Way Water Main Replacement
This project proposes replacement of 1,560 feet of 6-inch cast iron pipe with 1,560 feet of 6-inch C-900, class 150, PVC pipe in the Columbine Knolls Subdivision at South Chase Way between West Rowland Place and South Sheridan Court. Read more

District News Articles4/4/2014CONTRACTORS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED BY DISTRICT TO WORK ON RESIDENTIAL SEWER LINES

The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 2014-1-3 which requires the licensing of residential sewer contractors performing work within the District. Prior to hiring a contractor to work on a sewer service line, homeowners should call, or have their contractor call, the District office at 303-979-2333 for a licensing application and list of requirements. Read more

District News Articles3/21/2014DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER

At the January 24, 2014 Board of Directors meeting, the District Board appointed Louis J. Fohn to fill a vacant position on the Board.
Mr. Fohn is a native Coloradoan and a lifetime resident of Jefferson County. His father was employed by Denver Water for 45 years and worked at Denver’s first water treatment plant, Kassler, which is located at the mouth of Waterton Canyon. Kassler was also a Denver Water “company town” where it’s employees worked and lived with their families on-site. Mr. Fohn was raised at the Kassler site and was educated in a one-room school house Read more

District News Articles3/21/2014WORLD WATER DAY 2014: WATER AND ENERGY

World Water Day, also known as World Day for Water or International Water Day, is a special day determined by the United Nations of General Assembly to focus the attention of the world on the importance of freshwater resources in our lives and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This commemoration is observed annually on 22 March since the year 1993.
Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. In 2014 World Water Day is dedicated to the theme of Water and Energy which are the basic components of life, economic growth and human progress. Read more

District News Articles3/14/2014DISTRICT BOARD GOES GREEN

The District Board of Directors has decided to save time, money and trees by adopting an online, paperless board-agenda program which has done away with bulky packets of paper – which can be 250 to 400 pages each - in favor of the Apple iPad. This program is expected to save time, taxpayer dollars and the environment and will replace the old method of compiling, printing, collating and distributing paper agenda packets by hand. The new paperless program will also increase the amount of time board members have to review information in preparation of the month’s board meeting. Under the previous system Read more

District News Articles2/28/2014SPRING SERVICE OF AIR-VACUUM VALVES BEGINS

A routine function performed by the District’s operations staff is bi-annual maintenance of Air-Vacuum (Air-Vac) valves. An Air-Vacuum valve is a device installed on water mains 12 inches or larger. Its purpose is to allow air to enter a water main when it is being shut off and drained for maintenance and repairs. In turn, when the water main is being re-filled the Air-Vac valve allows air to escape from the pipe. Entrapped air has a force up to nine times greater than the water pressure in the main. These pockets of entrapped air can cause failures to the water main and if the air pocket travels into a customers’ water service connection it can cause property damage. Read more

The District has implemented an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) which converts the District’s existing paper filing system to a completely digital format.
One of the primary reasons for moving to an electronic alternative is to improve the filing of emails and electronic correspondence without printing and manually filing these documents. In addition, files can be converted from paper records to digital for permanent storage, which greatly increases the efficiency of this task.
Implementing the EDMS includes the following benefits for the District: Read more

The District bid farewell to Dennis “Denny” Morse who celebrated his retirement on January 31, 2014 after 40 years of service to Platte Canyon and its customers.
Mr. Morse came to Platte Canyon as one of two full-time maintenance workers in 1974. He was promoted to construction supervisor in the early 1980s where his duties included reviewing water and sewer construction plans for new developments, supervising the engineering plans for District capital construction projects, and construction management and inspection. Denny has overseen the construction of nearly all water and sewer pipe installed in Platte Canyon, Southwest Metropolitan, and Bow Mar Water and Sanitation District since the mid-1970s. While conducting these duties, Denny worked closely with representatives from Jefferson, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, Denver Water, City of Littleton, various developers and builders, and District customers. Read more

District News Articles1/15/2014TEACHERS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2014 METRO DENVER WATER FESTIVAL

Teachers — You are invited to join us for Denver’s first sixth-grade water festival, hosted by the Suburban Distributors of Denver Water, Metropolitan State University of Denver One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship, and Denver Water. The Water Festival is a free, fun opportunity for more than 800 students to learn about water through hands-on activities and lessons.
The festival will provide balanced Read more

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District provides water distribution and wastewater collection services for 5,900 District customers and 16,400 customers in five adjacent water and sanitation districts. The combined District service area is located generally between S. Santa Fe. Blvd. on the east, C-470 on the west, W. Chatfield Ave. on the south and W. Quincy Ave. on the north.
Platte Canyon is accepting applications for the position of Construction, Plan Review and Special Projects Coordinator through February 7, 2014 Read more

District News Articles1/10/2014BOARD ADOPTS BUDGET FOR 2014

The Platte Canyon 2014 Budget adopted by the District’s Board of Directors on November 22, 2014 projects revenues of $2,442,852 and expenditures of $3,047,151. The deficit amounting to $604,299 is attributed to non-recurring capital expenditures and will be funded by transferring money from the District’s capital reserves. Budget highlights include the following: Read more

District News Articles1/3/2014MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: PUT YOUR SEWER PIPES ON A FAT-FREE DIET

Fats, Oils, and Greases aren’t just bad for your arteries and your waistline; they are bad for your sewer pipes as well. Sewer backups and overflows can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and threaten the environment. An increasingly common cause of sewer overflows is pipes blocked with grease. Grease and other non-soluble substances get into the sewer from household drains as well as poorly maintained grease traps in restaurants and other businesses. Read more

District News Articles12/20/2013DON’T GET BACKED UP DURING THE HOLIDAY!

Historically the District will run a sewer service line maintenance article every year due to the problems that can occur from the additional use around the holidays. Having more than the usual number of people in the home, more meals prepared in the home, or the type and amount of material sent down the sink is usually a recipe for a holiday disaster. If customers have had issues with their service lines it is an excellent idea to have service performed before the upcoming holiday season. Read more

District News Articles12/13/2013REMEMBER – IT’S A TOILET, NOT A TRASHCAN! SOME THINGS JUST DON’T BELONG IN THE TOILET…

Toilets are only meant for one activity, and you know what we’re talking about! When the wrong thing is flushed, results can include costly backups on your own property or problems at your local wastewater treatment plant. That’s why it is so important to treat toilets properly and flush only your personal contributions to the local wastewater treatment plant.
DON’T FLUSH ANY ITEMS LIKE: Read more

District News Articles12/6/2013LOW WATER PRESSURE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE END OF THE MONTH

The District would once again like to warn its customers that they may experience lower than usual water pressure in their homes through the end of December.
Denver Water is continuing to rehabilitate a large-diameter water main which supplies water to Platte Canyon for those areas southwest of the intersection of Ken Caryl and South Pierce Street. Ken Caryl to the north, South Pierce to east and West Fairview Drive (a diagonal) to the southwest. Read more

District News Articles12/6/2013COLORADO FOUNDATION FOR WATER EDUCATION

Created in 2002, the Colorado Foundation for Water Education (CFWE) is Colorado's only statewide non-profit, non-advocacy organization providing water resource information and education. The Foundation's mission is to help all Coloradans speak fluent water by providing balanced and accurate information and education. Its website contains a number of articles, links, and educational materials for teachers and students related to Colorado water resources Read more

District News Articles11/25/2013BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTE TO CHANGE DECEMBER BOARD MEETING DATE

The Platte Canyon and Southwest Metropolitan Water and Sanitation Districts’ Boards of Directors voted at the November 22nd Joint Board Meeting to change the date of the December Board Meeting from December 27, 2013 to December 20, 2013. Read more

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2014 - 2023. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects and vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be pro-active in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation.
The 2014 - 2023 Capital Master Plan proposes expenditure of Read more

District News Articles11/1/2013WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SANITARY SEWER AND STORM SEWER?

You’ve seen one drain, you’ve seen them all. They are all the same, right? I can pour this cleaner down the drain because it goes to a wastewater treatment plant, right? Not so! It's important to understand the difference between sanitary sewers and storm sewers so we can prevent environmental damage.
The sanitary sewer is a system of underground pipes that carries sewage from bathrooms, sinks, kitchens, and other plumbing components to a wastewater treatment plant where it is filtered, treated and discharged.
The storm sewer is a system designed to carry rainfall Read more

District News Articles10/25/2013WATER RATES TO RISE IN 2014

The Denver Board of Water commissioners on September 25, approved an increase in water rates for meters read on or after January 1, 2014. The water consumption charges for Read and Bill customers, of Denver Water, which includes all Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District customers, will increase 4.6%, and the fixed monthly serve charge will increase 3.9% from $6.33 Read more

District News Articles10/11/2013LOW WATER PRESSURE POSSIBLE BEGINNING OCTOBER 14TH

The District would like to warn its customers that they may experience lower than usual water pressure in their homes beginning October 14, 2013.
Denver Water is rehabilitating a large-diameter water main which supplies water to the area between W. Bowles Ave. to W. Chatfield Ave. and S. Wadsworth Blvd. to S. Platte Canyon Rd.
In order to perform this rehabilitation, the water conduit must be taken out of service. This will affect the water pressure for the area and you may notice lower pressures for approximately one month Read more

Denver Water rebates help you replace inefficient fixtures with new, water-efficient fixtures. Residential customers can receive rebates for buying and installing qualifying high-efficiency toilets, washing machines and other water-efficient fixtures.
Time is running out to earn a rebate Read more

District News Articles9/20/2013DISTRICT EXPERIENCES AN UNUSUAL WATER MAIN REPAIR

Platte Canyon owns water mains made of various materials; cast iron, ductile iron, asbestos-cement, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Part of the District’s water main inventory consists of spiral-welded steel pipe.
Steel water main repairs are conducted much differently than repairs on other pipe types. The steel pipe is encased in a tar-based coating. This protects the steel from soil-contact corrosion. Typically on the District’s water mains made of the other materials a repair clamp (compression band) can be placed over a failure for a quick and inexpensive repair. This is not the case when dealing with steel water mains. Steel mains cannot accept a repair clamp so, typically repairs require welding to correct a failure. Read more

District News Articles9/13/2013KEEP WET WIPES OUT OF THE PIPES

Whatever British sewer workers are paid, it's not enough. Last month some of them had to deal with a 15-ton "fatberg," a clog made up largely of congealed cooking fat and baby wipes, in a London sewer main. That's the size of a bus. A double-decker bus. Eeewww.
Just as disposable diapers are now considered a necessity, wet wipes have become essentials in the average parent's arsenal. But the popularity of these one-time-use items isn't limited to infant backsides. Read more

District News Articles9/6/2013CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS CONCLUDE

The two water main replacement projects scheduled for construction this year have been completed. The projects were initially scheduled for 2014 and 2021 but were advanced due to continuing deterioration of the pipes and the occurrence of additional water breaks in 2012.
The first project replaced Read more

District News Articles8/2/2013DID YOU KNOW...FUN FACTS ABOUT WATER

Water is all around us. It is colorless and tasteless. The air we breathe contains water. Water has many purposes throughout the world, aside from human consumption and purposes related to that. With 80 percent of the earth's surface covered with water, it makes water the most common substance on earth. Without water, there could be no life. Every living thing needs water to live, and every living thing is made of at least some water. Next to the air we breathe, water is our most important need. Without water there wouldn’t be any life on Earth. Read more

District News Articles7/26/2013THE WESTERN WATER CYCLE – FROM SNOWPACK TO STREAM

The water cycle is usually illustrated as a circular flow chart depicting water’s endless journey between ground and sky, rain and vapor. In Western states, where the majority of water falls as snow, the process works a bit differently.
Western mountains have snowpack, a reservoir of frozen water that melts and fills streams during dry spring and summer months. Too much snow or quickly-melting snow might mean flooding. A deficit could cause water shortage or drought. Read more

District News Articles7/19/2013RETROFIT YOUR YARD, TRY XERISCAPING

Xeriscaping refers to the conservation of water through creative landscaping. Xeriscape, or water-wise landscaping, uses low-water-use plants to create a landscape that’s sustainable in Colorado’s semi-arid climate. Denver Water coined the word in 1981 to help make low-water-use landscaping an easily recognized concept. Xeriscape is a combination of the word "landscape" and the Greek word "xeros," which means dry. If designed properly, Xeriscape can be lush, colorful and easy to care for.
Recent drought conditions and a renewed commitment to water conservation have prompted many metro-area homeowners and businesses to look for ways to reduce the amount of water they use on their yards Read more

Board moves to Stage 1 drought response; customers still asked to save water Read more

District News Articles6/21/2013HELP YOUR TREES SURVIVE THE DROUGHT

The drought of 2012/2013 has taken a toll on plants across the country, devastating crops, wreaking havoc on landscaping and ruining lawns.
While you might be worried about your grass turning brown or flowers wilting, there’s one thing that you definitely shouldn’t overlook - your trees.
Like all plants, trees require a consistent supply of water, but when they’re under prolonged exposure to drought conditions, they can suffer irreversible damage. A professional tree service can assess the health of your trees and look for drought-related stress. Many tree service companies employ a certified arborist, which is a professional who specializes in the cultivation and management of trees and other woody plants. Read more

District News Articles6/7/2013DID YOU KNOW? INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WATER DISTRIBUTION (WOODEN WATER PIPES)

It’s hard to say exactly when someone hollowed out a material for the transport of water but the Romans are generally credited with first mass use of pipes to transport water. In fact the word plumbing is derived from the Latin word for lead “plumbum”, the substance the Romans used for their water pipes.
What might surprise people is that after the fall of the Roman empire another material emerged as the favored way to transport water to homes - wood Read more

If you’ve been following Denver Water’s weekly Water Watch Reports, you’ve seen their snowpack and precipitation graphs jump upward after the April and May snowfall. This is great news for our water supply, which had been abysmal since July 2011.
Even with the precipitation we have received over the last two months, the watersheds that supply the District’s water still ended up below the average peak at 91 percent in the Colorado River watershed and 92 percent in the South Platte River watershed. Because of this, Denver Water has stressed the importance of May and June weather as it will impact how much mountain snow will make its way into the reservoirs that supply the District’s water. The wetter the better! Read more

District News Articles4/26/2013PLATTE CANYON PREPARES FOR CONSTRUCTION SEASON

With spring and summer comes construction season and a continuation of Platte Canyon’s efforts to repair, rehabilitate, and replace portions of the District’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. The District anticipates expenditure of $258,946 for capital construction this year. Read more

District News Articles4/5/2013APRIL IS SAFE DIGGING MONTH IN COLORADO

April is the official Safe Digging Month in Colorado, a statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of notifying the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (UNCC) by calling 811 before all digging projects to reduce the risk of striking underground utility lines and potentially causing community damage or personal injury.
Read more

District News Articles3/29/2013THEY AREN’T WASTING WATER...THEY ARE PRESERVING PUBLIC HEALTH

Every year beginning in April and concluding in October, the District flushes dead-end water mains and fire hydrants. Flushing the distribution system removes stale water and ensures that the quality of the water remains fresh and clean to meet State and Federal Standards.
Since we are in a drought Read more

District News Articles3/27/2013DENVER WATER APPROVES MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS

March snows have not done enough to improve the current drought conditions. Most of Colorado is in the second year of a severe drought and above-average temperatures, which has led to low snowpack and low reservoir levels across the state. As a result, at its meeting today, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring a Stage 2 drought, which means customers will have two assigned watering days a week beginning April 1. Read more

District News Articles3/22/2013DROUGHT! MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS BEGIN APRIL 1ST

You no doubt have been hearing the escalating concern about drought conditions in Colorado. Recent snows have benefited parched metro Denver area landscapes, but have not significantly improved the snowpack our water system relies on. Stacey Cheney of Denver Water stated that there is still a big deficit of mountain snow that fills the reservoirs and that Colorado would need another 8 to 10 feet of snow in the high country to pull the state out of a drought. “If these conditions continue, we may face the worst drought in Denver Water’s history, and it is likely that by April 2014 we will be nearing the lowest reservoir storage we have ever seen,” Chesney said.
Chesney’s statement is backed up by data from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the federal agency that measures Colorado’s snowpack. "Unless Colorado sees weather patterns in March that bring well above average snowfall and precipitation to the state, there will not be much relief from the current drought conditions," the NRCS said in a statement. NCRS said the March snowpack measurement reflected a "nominal" increase, but the snowpack in the South Platte and Colorado River basins from which Denver Water receives water are 53 percent of average and 68 percent of average, respectively. Read more

District News Articles3/15/2013WORLD WATER DAY 2013: INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF WATER COOPERATION

World Water Day takes place annually on 22 March. It focuses the attention of the world on the importance of freshwater resources in our lives and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. In 2013, in reflection of the International Year of Water Cooperation, World Water Day is also dedicated to the theme of cooperation around water. Read more

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District would like to extend a warm welcome to Mike Chavez, our newest operations employee. Read more

District News Articles3/1/2013IT’S WINTER. WHERE’S YOUR WATER GOING?

In most areas of the country, winter is a great time to check for leaks in and around your home. If the mercury is dropping, so should your water use. But if your water use is high in winter, you may have a leak in your home.
Easy-to-fix leaks in homes across the country add up to more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in the United States, and could be adding 10 percent to your water bill. Here is a simple checklist for monitoring household water use for leaks in wintry weather. Read more

District News Articles2/15/2013OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY

In observance of the President’s Day holiday, our office will be closed February 18th. If you experience an emergency or would like to report an emergency situation during this period, please call our 24-hour emergency notification number at 303-979-2333 and press 5.
We will reopen for normal business on February 19th at 8:00 a.m. Read more

District staff is researching options to convert the District’s paper filing system to an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). One of the primary reasons for seeking an electronic alternative is to improve the filing of emails and electronic correspondence without printing and manually filing these documents. In addition, archived files can be converted from paper records to digital for permanent storage, whcih would greatly increases the efficiency of this task.
Implementing an EDMS would include the following benefits for the District: Read more

District News Articles1/25/2013WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM CONTINUES IN 2013

Denver Water Department's Residential Rebate Program for Platte Canyon customers who replace water guzzling fixtures and equipment with water efficient models will continue throughout this year.
Customers should check rebate details before making purchases. Not all toilets or clothes washers qualify for a rebate, but all “WaterSense” labeled toilets are covered. Read more

What does the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District do for me and my community? If you cannot readily answer this question we would like the opportunity to talk with you and other members of your association about the services provided by the District.
The Board of Directors of Platte Canyon is increasing its efforts to explain what we do and how we do it. A brief presentation has been prepared to describe the critical services provided to our customers Read more

District News Articles12/14/2012LITTLETON SANITARY SEWER RATES TO RISE NEXT YEAR

Sanitary sewer service bills scheduled to be mailed to Platte Canyon residents in June 2013 will reflect a 2.5 percent increase over 2012 charges. Annual charges for a single family homeowner in Platte Canyon will be $217.52, a $5.31 increase from the 2012 rate of $212.21. Service charges for multi-family customers will rise $4.51 from $180.38 in 2012 to $184.89 next year. Read more

District News Articles12/14/2012DENVER WATER RATES TO INCREASE IN 2013

The Denver Water Department has advised Platte Canyon that water rates will increase 2.5 percent effective January 1. Denver Water’s Board of Water Commissioners approved a $341 million budget for 2013 that includes rates hikes for water users inside and outside the city.
Denver Water’s 2013 rates will rise an average of 55 cents per month for residential customers inside the city, while rates for Platte Canyon customers are expected to rise an average of 91 cents per month.
Read more

District News Articles12/7/2012DISTRICT RECEIVES NEW TELEVISION INSPECTION UNIT

An important maintenance activity District operations employees perform is closed-circuit television inspections of sanitary sewer mains. This activity provides a detailed evaluation of the condition of every sewer main owned by the District.
In October the District purchased a replacement for a unit owned since 1998. Read more

District News Articles11/30/2012PLAN APPROVED FOR RENEWAL OF AGING INFRASTRUCTURE

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors on November 16, 2012 approved the Capital Master Plan for 2013-2022 which calls for spending $4.6 million over the next ten years to replace and rehabilitate water and sewer mains and maintenance vehicles and equipment. The Board adopts a revised capital plan each year in conjunction with the consideration of the annual budget. According to Kenneth Bradford, President of the Platte Canyon Board of Directors, “The Ten Year Capital Plan allows us to schedule infrastructure renewal projects and vehicle replacements during the financial planning process, and thus avoid large unanticipated expenses which could strain our ability to meeting operating and routine capital expenses within our anticipated revenue structure. We are diligent in developing long range plans to avoid asking District customers for increases in taxes or other sources of revenue. Our planning has been very successful as indicated by the fact that the District has not increased the property tax mill levy in over 20 years.” Read more

The most significant item for Platte Canyon residents in the recently adopted 2013 budget may be the fact that the property tax mill levy will not increase for the 13th consecutive year. Despite increasing operating costs and recent large capital expenses needed to renew aging infrastructure, the Platte Canyon Board has maintained a 7.104 property tax mill levy since 2000. Property taxes will remain the District’s largest source of revenue in 2013 producing $1,267,627. Contract maintenance services provided by Platte Canyon to Southwest Metropolitan, Bow Mar, Columbine, and Lochmoor Water and Sanitation Districts and Valley Sanitation District will again generate significant revenue amounting to $1,028,850. Contract services help to offset Platte Canyon overhead expenses and achieve more efficient operations for all of the intergovernmental agreement participants. Total revenue budgeted for 2013 is $2,442,159. Read more

District News Articles11/21/2012FRYING A TURKEY FOR THE HOLIDAYS? AVOID CALLING THE PLUMBER!

It may seem like an easy solution to a messy problem, but pouring fryer oil down the drain will just lead to a nastier problem. Oil and grease rinsed into the plumbing system can congeal and block pipes, causing sewer back-ups. Proper disposal of your cooking oil and other greases may save your home from a clogged-drain and a holiday visit from the plumber.
Clogs can also occur outside your home in the public sewage system, resulting in raw sewage overflowing from a manhole in the street or from a cleanout on your property. If sewage were to flow down the street, it may enter the storm drain system, where it would then be carried straight into our local waterways without any treatment. Polluted storm water and sanitary sewer overflow runoff can lead to costly clean up and severe fines from State and Federal regulatory agencies. Read more

District News Articles10/26/2012RESPONDING TO CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS SOMETIMES REQUIRES DETECTIVE WORK

Each year District staff responds to hundreds of customer service requests that are related to water and wastewater service problems. A majority of customer complaints are resolved easily and in a timely manner, however, there are certain complaints that require staff to perform detective work to resolve an issue since some complaints can have several possible causes. A few examples of these elusive service problems are listed Read more

District News Articles9/21/2012NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Read more

District News Articles9/7/2012WORLD WATER MONITORING DAY™ IS NOW THE WORLD WATER MONITORING CHALLENGE™

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA) proudly announced a re-launch of the popular World Water Monitoring Day™ (WWMD) outreach program to what is now being called the World Water Monitoring Challenge™ (WWMC). Coordinated by WEF and IWA, WWMC is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world. The annual program connects citizens with their local water bodies through a series of simple, hands-on monitoring tests.
Officially, WWMD is still observed on September 18, but since 2009, the testing and reporting period has been extended from March 22 through December 31. As a result, the program has grown from about 30,000 participants to nearly 340,000 over the past five years in which people in 77 countries monitored their local waterways. Read more

District News Articles8/20/2012JOB OPENING AVAILABLE - WATER DISTRIBUTION / WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM OPERATOR I OR II

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution / Wastewater Collection System Operator I or Water Distribution / Wastewater Collection System Operator II. Experience and/or education related to maintaining and operating water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems desirable. Must have a valid Colorado Commercial Driver License, minimum class “B”, with air brake and tanker endorsement, or obtain such a license within 90 days of hire. Must reside within 30 minutes of the District office located at 8739 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton, Colorado. Must be on-call and able to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.
Salary range is $17.52 to $25.90 for Operator I position and $19.35 to $28.60 per hour for Operator II position. Excellent benefit package provided.
This position is open until filled.
To apply for this position you may: Read more

District News Articles8/17/2012WHAT IS YOUR WATER FOOTPRINT?

We are all familiar with the concept of a carbon footprint, but have you given any thought to your water footprint? Embedded in every single product we consume is water. Just finished up your morning cup of coffee? Brewing that single cup requires 37 gallons of water, when the full costs of production and transport are taken into consideration. How about that package of M&M’s you were just snaking on? 304 gallons of water went into making that. And that bottle of water you just grabbed as you headed out the door? This irony shouldn’t be lost on anyone: it takes 1.85 gallons of water to manufacture the plastic for the bottle in the average commercial bottle of water.
Read more

District News Articles8/10/2012BOARD MEMBER RICHARD ECKERT RESIGNS POSITION

Ten year member of the Platte Canyon Board of Directors Richard “Dick” Eckert resigned from his position effective July 2012. Dick Eckert was first appointed to the Board in January 2002 and was elected in May 2002, 2004, 2008 and again in 2012. He has been heavily involved in Columbine community affairs and also served on the Read more

Charles Richard “Dick” Spielman Jr. died unexpectedly on May 28 at Littleton Adventist Hospital at age 83. Mr. Spielman was elected to the Platte Canyon Board of Directors in May 2006 and was reelected in 2008 and again in May 2012 just prior to his death.
Mr. Spielman was born in New York, New York and attended school in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Upon graduation he attended Purdue University until he joined the U.S. Army in 1946. After his Army years, he returned to Purdue and obtained a degree in engineering in 1953. He moved to the Littleton area with his wife Mary Jane and their four children in 1966. Read more

District News Articles7/27/2012WILLIAM D. BUCKNER ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

On May 8, 2012 William D. Buckner was elected to fill the vacant position on the Board left by the retirement of Jack Dice.
Mr. Buckner is a 35-year resident of Platte Canyon. He was born in Denver. He graduated from Douglas County High School, attended Otero Junior College and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the Colorado Department of Revenue as the Director of the Compliance & Criminal Investigations section after 32 years. Read more

District News Articles7/27/2012WATER QUALITY PROTECTION

Preserving the quality of water delivered to homes and businesses in Platte Canyon is a huge effort that involves a large number of entities carrying out numerous, diverse responsibilities. Protection of water quality begins at the source. The federal and state governments establish and enforce regulations and standards to protect source waters that are ultimately delivered to District customers. Numerous industrial and municipal water users are required to meet these standards as they treat water which is discharged into rivers and lakes that ultimately become source waters for other users. The Federal Clean Water Act and federal and state pollution discharge elimination system permitting programs are examples of source water protection laws and regulations. Read more

District News Articles7/13/2012HOW TO FIND A WATER LEAK

You know you have a water leak when the drip drip drip of a leaking faucet or a running toilet keeps you up at night or you suddenly step onto a wet floor. But what if the leak is hidden from view; how do you know if it’s even there and how do you go about finding it?
Usually the first clue a homeowner receives that they might have a hidden leak is when they notice an increase in their water bill. Upon inquiring about the increased water bill their water utility has suggested that they may have a water leak on their property.
How do you go about finding a suspected leak that is hidden? Your water meter may be your most useful tool in identifying water leaks on your property because the meter only operates when water is flowing into your property. Follow these easy steps to check for unseen leaks: Read more

Waterton Canyon will be closed to public access from Tuesday, June 26, through Thursday, June 28, for annual maintenance work. Neither the parking lot at the canyon’s entrance nor the canyon will be accessible during this time. Waterton Canyon will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, June 29. Read more

District News Articles6/15/2012CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CONSERVE

Many of the District’s residents are active in saving paper, metals, and plastics through local recycling programs. We would encourage you to save water through simple, daily changes in your personal habits. Here are some suggestions to get you started toward conserving water: Read more

The Board of Directors of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District adopted a Resolution honoring Jack C. Dice for 44 years of dedicated service as a director and president of the District’s Board. Mr. Dice was initially appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Directors in June 1966. After being re-elected six times he resigned his position in October 1990. He was reappointed to the Board in January 1992 and was re-elected another five times before deciding to not run for election this year. Mr. Dice was elected to the position of President and Chairman of the Board in 1992 and retained those titles until this year Read more

District News Articles6/8/2012DISTRICT WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENT WORK SET TO BEGIN

Platte Canyon will be conducting two major capital improvement projects set to begin within the next 30 days. On May 25th the Board of Directors awarded a water main replacement construction contract to Levi Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $95,250.00 and a sewer rehabilitation construction contract to Reynolds Inliner, LLC in the amount of $398,018.00. Read more

District News Articles6/8/2012CLOSED CIRCUIT INSPECTION PROGRAM

An important maintenance activity District operations employees perform is closed-circuit television inspections of sanitary sewer mains. This activity provides a detailed evaluation of the condition of every sewer main owned by the District. Read more

District News Articles5/18/2012UNAUTHORIZED USE OF FIRE HYDRANTS

To guard against water theft, potential water contamination and property damage, the Platte Canyon Board of Directors have imposed fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 for unauthorized use of District owned fire hydrants. Read more

The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the authoritative resource on safe water in North America, will kick off its annual National Drinking Water Week beginning May 6th, in celebration of our most precious natural resource.
For more than 35 years, the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week – a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Read more

District News Articles4/25/2012DENVER WATER ASKS CUSTOMERS TO REDUCE OUTDOOR USE, SUMMER WATERING RULES GO INTO EFFECT ON MAY 1

A dry winter has created drought conditions across Colorado. Now, more than ever, Denver Water needs its customers to use only what they need.
At its meeting today, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring a Stage 1 drought in recognition of the extremely dry conditions.
“Our customers have done a good job of using water wisely, but this year saving water matters even more,” said Greg Fisher, manager of demand planning for Denver Water. “We need customers to cut back water use and be mindful of the impact of the dry conditions on supply availability.”
In response to the Stage 1 drought declaration, Denver Water is asking its customers to reduce outdoor watering. Customers can do that by Read more

District News Articles4/6/2012USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED IN THIS WARM, DRY WEATHER

A relatively dry winter across Colorado and recent wildfires have some people asking about the water outlook for the summer.
“Spring in Colorado can be unpredictable, so it’s too early to say what our water outlook will be,” said Sally Covington, director of public affairs for Denver Water. “But we are concerned about how dry it’s been.”
As a result, Denver Water and Platte Canyon is asking customers to use only what they need as we move into spring.
“Customers’ continued conservation habits have made a huge difference in our water supply,” said Covington.
While Denver Water’s reservoir storage currently is above normal for this time of year due to 2011’s wet conditions and customers’ continued conservation habits, the utility asks customers to be mindful of the impact of dryness on supply availability Read more

District News Articles3/23/2012PLATTE CANYON CANCELS ELECTION

Platte Canyon has cancelled the regular Board of Directors Election scheduled for May 12, 2012. Colorado Statutes provide for District elections to be cancelled if there is only one candidate for each available position on the Board of Directors, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be a write-in candidate.
As a result of the cancellation, William D. Buckner and Richard C. Eckert were declared elected to four year terms ending in May 2016. Mr. Buckner will be serving his first term on the Board while Mr. Eckert has served as a director since 2002. Read more

District News Articles3/9/2012WORLD WATER DAY 2012: WATER AND FOOD SECURITY

World Water Day takes place annually on 22 March. It focuses the attention of the world on the importance of freshwater resources in our lives. In 2012, the theme is "Water and Food Security" and it is coordinated by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on behalf of UN-Water. Read more

District News Articles3/9/2012GARDEN-IN-A-BOX: XERISCAPE MADE EASY

The Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) is ready to make xeriscape gardening fun and simple with the launch of its annual Garden-In-A-Box sale for 2012. Garden-In-A-Box are professionally designed, plant by numbers xeriscape gardens. They make basic xeriscaping easy, affordable and convenient. In 2011, for the first time ever, gardens are available to all residents of Platte Canyon.
The CRC’s water division works to provide easy solutions to helping Colorado residents conserve water. Over half of residential water use is used to water landscapes. As Colorado’s population grows and water supplies become more stressed, xeriscaping will continue to be a key way for homeowners to save water. Garden-In-A-Box makes this easy. Read more

District News Articles2/24/2012SAVE A HEAP LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!

Do you have a landscape watering system with preset controls? Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of water applied by irrigation systems is wasted due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies! Leap Day, February 29, is a great time to stop and use a few of those extra minutes to check your irrigation system’s control settings and schedules.
Read more

Waterton Canyon will reopen March 1, 2012, weather-permitting.
In the aftermath of the Buffalo Creek and Hayman fires, intense rains caused massive sediment to build up in Strontia Springs Reservoir, a key water supply source for the Denver-metro area located at the top of Waterton Canyon. As a result, Waterton Canyon, located southwest of Denver, was closed to public access in August 2010 for a Denver Water contractor to dredge the reservoir.
The canyon was scheduled to reopen at the end of 2011. Project demobilization, however, is still underway. In the interest of public safety, Waterton Canyon will reopen March 1, 2012, weather-permitting, after the majority of heavy machinery and equipment is demobilized. Read more

District News Articles2/17/2012COLORADO SPRINGS GETS THE FIRST WATERSENSE LABELED NEW HOME IN THE STATE

District News Articles2/3/2012SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, REMEMBER THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

There’s another “bowl” to check out on Super Bowl Sunday.
Platte Canyon continues the tradition Denver Water started in 2005, urging customers to check their toilet bowls for leaks on Super Bowl Sunday. Turn those Super Bowl bathroom visits into a profitable situation with Denver Water’s special incentive that makes that “up close and personal” encounter with the porcelain throne a more attractive prospect: cash money. Read more

District News Articles1/20/2012CELEBRATE WATER 2012 CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF

The “Celebrate Colorado Water 2012” Campaign kicks off next week at the Colorado Water Congress’ annual convention (January 25-27, 2012).
What once started as a small celebration to commemorate the major anniversaries of some of Colorado’s most important water organizations and legislation quickly spiraled into a statewide water awareness campaign called Colorado Water 2012. Read more

District News Articles1/13/2012SUSTAINABILITY STARTS AT YOUR SINK: POLLUTION PREVENTION STARTS WITH YOU

Did you know the average household contains between three and ten gallons of materials that are hazardous to human health or to the natural environment? There are obvious things, such as paint thinner, car batteries and cleaners; but beyond clearly hazardous materials, substances such as polishes, greases and even prescription medicines and personal care products can affect the environment if disposed of improperly. Every time someone dumps a can of paint thinner down the sink, flushes medicine down the toilet or throws an old car battery out with the trash, they can impact our water quality – and it doesn’t have to happen. You can prevent pollution before it starts through proper disposal, educated product choices, and the desire to contribute to sustainability or the continued environmental health of our planet. Read more

District News Articles1/6/2012COLORADO'S VETERAN SNOW SURVEY CHIEF FINDS SNOWPACK SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW AVERAGE UPON FIRST SNOWPACK READING OF THE SEASON - BUT DON’T PANIC

On his last day on the job, Colorado's veteran snow survey chief found snowpack significantly below average. Mike Gillespie, the snow survey supervisor for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Colorado, has visited this particular measurement site along U.S. 40 just below the Berthoud Pass summit at the same time each year for 28 years to measure the snowpack. In his first year, when snow piled up twice as much as normal, it took a heroic effort just to climb the 200 yards to the measurement site. On this visit, it took about five minutes. The first manual snow sampling of the season on December 29, 2011 confirmed what automated sensors have been suggesting for weeks: The water available in Colorado's snowpack is significantly below average. Read more

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2012 - 2021. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects and vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be pro-active in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation.
The 2012 -2021 Capital Master Plan proposes expenditure of $1,133,573 in 2012, and $4,031,415 during the ten year period extending from 2012 to 2021. This compares with last year’s master plan projected expenditures for 2012 amounting to $318,308 and ten year period expenditures totaling $3,003,704. Water facility replacement projects account for 32 percent of the total proposed expenditures while sewer rehabilitation expenses and vehicle and equipment purchases account for 30 percent and 38 percent respectively. Read more

District News Articles12/30/20112012 BUDGET APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has adopted a 2012 budget calling for total revenue from all sources is projected to be $2,521.020 in 2012. Total expenditures are budgeted at $3,287,115; 43.4 percent more than budgeted in 2011. General fund expenditures are budgeted at $1,964,403; 4.0 percent more than 2011 budgeted expenses amounting to $1,816,124. Capital expenses for 2012 are budgeted at $1,322,712; 227.6 percent more than budgeted in 2011.
Beginning funds available in 2012 are estimated to be $10,232,755. The reserve fund balance is projected to decrease $766,095 to $9,466,660 at year end 2012.
The general operations mill levy for Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District in 2012 (tax year 2011) is proposed to remain the same as the levy certified in tax years 2005 through 2011; 7.104 mills. There are no abatements and refunds for Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties in tax year 2010. The total mill levy proposed for certification is 7.104 as compared with a mill levy of 7.114 assessed in tax year 2010. The total mill levy to be assessed upon all property located within the Platte Canyon District is 7.104 mills or $7.104 for each $1,000 of assessed value. Read more

District News Articles12/2/2011TROUBLE WITH YOUR SEWER SERVICE?

Don’t get caught paying for major repair of your sewer service line when it may not be necessary. When you have a sewer backup in your home, the first thing you think about is how do I make sure this doesn’t happen again. Many sewer service companies are telling customers that the only way to avoid this is to have the sewer service line completely replaced. This is a very expensive solution that can end up costing many thousands of dollars. Many times a total replacement of the service line is not necessary.
Here are some recommended steps to take if you experience sewer service trouble and before considering having the service line replaced: Read more

District News Articles12/2/2011PLATTE CANYON SPONSORS CONTINUING WATER EDUCATION IN DISTRICT SCHOOLS

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District has teamed up with the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow network (CoCoRaHS) to sponsor its “Rain Gauge at Every School” program.
CoCoRaHS is a national grassroots, non-profit, community-based, high-density precipitation network made up of volunteers of all backgrounds and ages who take daily measurements of precipitation in their backyards/schools and report their data to the CoCoRaHS network. Read more

District News Articles11/4/2011PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

A draft budget for 2012 and ten year capital plan for 2012 - 2021 have been submitted to the Platte Canyon Board of Directors for review. A copy of each of these important documents is available for citizen’s review at the District’s office at 8739 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton, CO. A public hearing on the draft budget is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Friday November 18, 2011 at the District office. Once the budget and capital plan are approved by the Board of Directors, they will be posted on the District’s web site Read more

Several weeks ago Platte Canyon maintenance crews discovered a large obstruction in the District’s primary outfall sewer pipe in W. Bowles Ave. between S. Lowell Blvd (Platte Canyon Rd.) and S. Middlefield Rd. It was determined that the only way to remove the obstruction was to excavate and remove a portion of the 24-inch concrete pipe. Due to the very heavy volume of traffic using Bowles Ave., the District worked extensively with other utility owners and the City of Littleton to minimize traffic disruption and the impact on local businesses. The plan called for working constantly over a three day period including a Saturday and Sunday when traffic volumes are lower. ENS Consulting, LLC designed the project for the District and Brannon Construction was retained to conduct the construction work. Read more

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted a 5.5% rate increase for 2012 for all customers of Denver Water. What is different about the decision this year is that the Board ignored the comprehensive rate model used for over twenty years and allocated additional revenue needs to all categories of customers irrespective of their proportion of costs. Southwest Metropolitan and other distributors strenuously opposed the rate increase for its unfair distribution of costs. According to the historical rate model Platte Canyon customers should have received no increase in rates for 2012. Read more

The Littleton City Council will consider adoption of a 2% increase in sanitary sewer rates for all Littleton and connector district customers (including Platte Canyon sewer customers) on October 18, 2011. If adopted, the rates for single family residential customers will rise from $208.05 to $212.21, a $4.16 annual increase. Multi-family residential customer rates will increase from $176.84 to $180.36, $3.54 per year. Commercial customer rates will increase from $2.27 to $2.32 per 1,000 gallons of water consumption. Read more

District News Articles9/9/2011WORLD WATER MONITORING DAY IS SEPTEMBER 18TH

Have you given much thought to the quality of water around you? Perhaps not, but thousands of others throughout the world have. Each year since 2002, participants around the world have taken part in World Water Monitoring Day and the program has steadily grown to over 200,000 participants from 85 countries taking part in 2010.
Coordinated by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA), this important annual outreach invites citizens throughout the world to monitor the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and other water resources anytime between March 22 (World Water Day) and December 31 and report the results on an international database. Read more

District News Articles8/19/201110 REASONS TO DRINK WATER

Did you know that more than two-thirds of your body weight is water. Without adequate water your body’s biochemical and electrical (yes electrical, read on!) processes begin to break down. In other words, water is absolutely essential to your survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water. One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your health and physical appearance as well as just making you feel better is to start drinking more water every day. Don’t believe us? Check out the 10 reasons below: Read more

District News Articles8/5/2011KNOW YOUR HOUSEHOLD WATER DEVICES

It is extremely important for District customers to be aware of the various water devices located inside and outside their homes. Being knowledgeable of these water devices can go a long way in preventing property damage and repair bills in a situation where bursting household and irrigation pipes is causing flooding to either a customer’s residence or a neighbor’s.
Read more

District News Articles7/15/2011SUMMER MONTHS BREED IMPERSONATORS

Denver Water and Platte Canyon is issuing a reminder to customers not to allow persons claiming to be water department employees to enter their homes without proper identification.
In the past, persons claiming to be water department employees have gained access to customers’ homes on the pretext of checking for water pressure or water quality, for example. Then, they go through the homes looking for cash or valuables. Some have asked for money from customers. Read more

District News Articles7/8/2011FOOTHILLS PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT IS ASKING RESIDENTS TO GET INVOLVED!

Foothills Park & Recreation District is creating a Water Conservation Master Plan to promote sustainable use of water to maintain its parks, recreation, open space, and recreational facilities.
They are inviting all Foothills residents to attend and participate in its final public meeting to be held on August 11th. During this meeting there will be a project overview, presentation of the initial design concepts, and will conclude with a facilitated discussion. Those who attend will be asked to participate and provide input on water usage and the maintenance practices of the District. Read more

District News Articles6/20/2011IT’S OFFICIAL: DENVER WATER TOP-NOTCH -- UTILITY TAKES SECOND IN NATIONAL TASTE TEST

Denver Water placed second in a taste test among water utilities across the nation at the American Water Works Association’s annual Best of the Best Water Taste in Washington, D.C. The event, composed of regional winners from water-tasting competitions across North America, was part of AWWA’s Annual Conference and Exposition. Read more

District News Articles5/11/2011SUMMER WATERING RULES AND TIPS

Colorado’s snow-packed mountains will fill our reservoirs, but remember that we live in a semiarid climate and must use water wisely. By using only the water you need, you can help minimize impacts to reservoirs during the hottest months of summer when reservoir levels begin to drop. Below you will find watering tips and tools to help you use only what you need.
Read more

District News Articles4/29/2011HISTORIC PROPOSED AGREEMENT HERALDS A NEW PATH FOR COLORADO WATER

Leaders from Grand, Summit and Eagle counties stood with representatives from Denver Water, the Colorado River District, the ski industry and other main stem Colorado River Basin water interests to announce a historic proposed agreement, the “Colorado River Cooperative Agreement.” This proposed agreement will change the way water is managed in Colorado.
Focused on cooperation, the proposed agreement brings parties who traditionally have been at odds together as partners on a path to responsible water development benefitting both the East and West Slopes. It achieves better environmental health for the Colorado River Basin, maintains high-quality recreational use and improves economics for many cities, counties and businesses impacted by the river. The proposed agreement, which was five years in the making, will now be considered by towns, counties, and water entities from the headwaters to the Utah state line.
“This cooperative effort represents a new way of doing business when it comes to water,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper at today’s announcement. “It shows that water solutions must be crafted from a statewide perspective. We hope and expect that this process will ripple across Colorado to other areas of water conflict.” Read more

District News Articles3/18/2011WORLD WATER DAY IS MARCH 22

International World Water Day is held every year on 22 March to focus global attention on the importance of water and advocating for the sustainable management of our water resources. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio, Brazil. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day, and it has been held annually since then. Each year, a specific aspect of water is highlighted.
This year’s theme is “Water and Urbanization” and aims to spotlight the importance of water in ever-growing urban populations around the world. It seeks both to alert the world to the adverse global situation in urban water management, and to encourage decision-makers to seize opportunities to address these formidable challenges. Through showcasing success, it seeks to encourage decision-makers to initiate and sustain reforms and forward-looking approaches.
On March 22nd 2011, and in the period leading up to and after this day, a concerted effort will be made to:
Read more

District News Articles2/11/2011WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF USING WATER EFFICIENTLY?

Water efficiency can be an effective way to reduce pollution caused by excessive watering and water use. Some of the environmental benefits that are aided by water efficiency include:
• Fewer sewer system failures caused from excess amounts of water overwhelming the system.
• Healthy, rather than depleted and dried up, natural pollution filters such as downstream wetlands.
• Reduced water contamination caused by polluted runoff due to over irrigating agricultural and urban lands.
• Reduced need to construct additional dams or otherwise regulate the natural flow of streams, thus preserving their free flow and retaining the value of stream and river systems as wildlife habitats and recreational areas. Read more

On Jan. 7, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed changes to the standards and guidelines on fluoride in drinking water. Addition of fluoride to drinking water supplies is recommended by Centers for Disease Control, HHS, and the American Dental Association to help prevent tooth decay, particularly in children. It was recognized by the CDC as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Read more

District News Articles12/17/2010PLATTE CANYON 2011 BUDGET APPROVED

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has adopted a 2011 budget calling for total expenditures of $2,085,981; $1,888,237 for operations and $197,743 for capital expenditures which is 12.3 percent less than budgeted in 2010.
the Board also recertified the property tax mill levy of 7.104 mills for general operations purposes and 0.010 mills to recover revenue from abatements and refunds made by Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties in tax year 2008. This means that there will be no tax increase to Platte Canyon property owners in 2011. The total mill levy to be assessed upon all property located within the Platte Canyon District is 7.114 mills or $7.114 for each $1,000 of assessed value Read more

On November 30th President Obama proclaimed the month of December “Critical Infrastructure Protection Month”.
“My Administration is committed to delivering the necessary information, tools, and resources to areas where critical infrastructure exists in order to maintain and enhance its security and resilience. I have proposed a bold plan for renewing and expanding our Nation's infrastructure, including its critical infrastructure, in the coming years. Additionally, we must work to empower communities, an integral part of critical infrastructure security, to work with local infrastructure owners and operators, which will make our physical and cyber infrastructure more resilient. Working together, we can raise awareness of the important role our critical infrastructure plays in sustaining the American way of life and develop actions to protect these vital resources.” (excerpt from Proclamation) Read more

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners voted to adjust water rates for 2011 at its meeting on November 17, 2010. The adjustment will provide further funding for the utility’s capital projects, which include upgrades to aging infrastructure over the next decade. The new water rates will take effect March 2011.
“Water rates are driven by the vital maintenance and capital projects needed to maintain and improve our system and to keep our infrastructure reliable in the future,” said Todd Cristiano, manager of rates. “Next year’s critical projects include work like dredging Strontia Springs Reservoir, our watershed protection initiative with the U.S. Forest Service, replacing the 105-year old valves at Cheesman Dam, finishing major upgrades at Williams Fork Reservoir and Dam, and stepping up our pipe rehabilitation and replacement program.” Read more

District News Articles10/29/2010DENVER WATER BOARD CONSIDERS RATES ADJUSTMENT FOR 2011

Denver Water staff presented to the Board of Water Commissioners a preliminary proposal to adjust water rates for 2011 at its meeting on October 13, 2010. The adjustment would provide further funding for the utility’s capital projects, which include upgrades to aging infrastructure over the next decade.
“We need to invest in our water system so we can continue to provide reliable service and clean water to our community,” said Angela Bricmont, director of finance. “Next year’s projects include more forest health related work like dredging Strontia Springs Reservoir, as well as replacing the 105-year old valves at Cheesman Dam, finishing major upgrades at Williams Fork Reservoir and Dam, and stepping up our pipe rehabilitation and replacement program.”
Read more

On numerous occasions, District maintenance staff have responded to sewer backup reports received from distressed homeowners who have lost valuable property stored on a basement floor near a floor drain. If a sewer service pipe or sewer main becomes clogged, wastewater drained from the house backs up in the pipe and usually surfaces through basement floor drains. Read more

District News Articles9/24/2010DENVER WATER’S STRONTIA SPRINGS SEDIMENT REMOVAL PROJECT WILL RESULT IN FUTURE RATE INCREASES FOR DISTRICT CUSTOMERS

Denver Water has executed a contract in the amount of $30,046,500 for dredging services for removal of sediment in Strontia Springs Reservoir. Increased sediment - a result of forest fires (notably Buffalo Creek and Hayman) and subsequent intense rains over the years - has created reservoir operational challenges and is causing water quality issues that are impacting the functions of the Foothills and Marston water treatment plants and service to Denver Water’s 1.3 million customers in the Denver Metro area. At the completion of this project, over 625,000 cubic yards of sediment - enough to fill the Invesco at Mile High stadium to a height of more than 200 feet - will be removed from the reservoir’s floor increasing its overall storage capacity.
The cost of this project, in addition to other ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation projects being conducted by Denver Water, will will ultimately result in future water rate increases to District customers. Read more

District News Articles9/24/2010FOREST TO FAUCET PARTNERSHIP

Denver Water and U.S. Forest Service to spend $33 million on watershed restoration
Denver Water and the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region announced their plans to equally share an investment of $33 million, over a five–year period, in restoration projects on more than 38,000 acres of National Forest lands. Read more

District News Articles9/17/2010DENVER TAP WATER IS “BEST OF THE BEST” IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION

Denver Water placed first in a taste test among water utilities in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico at the American Water Works Association Rocky Mountain Section’s (RMSAWWA) annual conference at Keystone Resort in Colorado. Tuesday’s event was the Rocky Mountain Section’s third annual taste test and Denver Water’s second first-place ranking in the event. Read more

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring a National Pharmaceutical Take-Back Day on September 25, 2010, from 10 A.M.-2 P.M. local time. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications, i.e. tablets and capsules will be accepted. Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.
Read more

Throughout the District there are nine sanitary sewer mains called “interceptors” which range in size from 15” to 60” in diameter. These interceptors collect wastewater from large segments of the District and transport it to the Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment. The amount of flow ranges from .5 million gallons per day up to 11.5 million gallons per day. This can make maintaining and inspecting the interceptors a challenge.
Recently, the District purchased a Pipe Ranger. It is a self-propelled, steerable camera transporter for large diameter pipes. A unique feature of the Pipe Ranger is the operator’s ability to raise the camera when the flow level rises as the inspection is being performed. Read more

District News Articles9/3/2010DENVER WATER REWARDS DISTRICT CUSTOMERS FOR RESPONSIBLE WATER USE

Representatives from Denver Water traveled to Platte Canyon to recognize several District customers for their responsible outdoor water use. As part of Denver Water’s inaugural “Thank you for using only what you need day”, these water savers were given free T-shirts and bottle openers touting the USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED campaign message.
Read more

The Board of Directors of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District has adopted a resolution opposing Amendment 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 three initiatives that will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot.
The Board’s decision to oppose the ballot proposals came after extensive analysis and discussion of the potential ramifications of the ballot proposals.
The Board urges all voters to research and fully understand the implications of the three ballot proposals before voting. Read more

District News Articles8/20/2010DISTRICT CONCLUDES 2010 WATER PRESSURE MONITORING PROGRAM

A routine activity District operations personnel perform is monitoring water pressures throughout the entire water distribution system. This annual program begins early May and concludes in September. The purpose of the program is to make certain all areas of the distribution system are operating within established parameters. Collected data is compared with water pressure standards and previous years data to determine Read more

Denver Water’s HOA toilet distribution program is continuing this year. The idea for the program originally came from Denver Water’s successful rebate program. In the rebate program, Denver Water currently offers a rebate of $125 to its customers for any High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) purchased off the eligible model list.
Denver Water wanted to take this idea a step further by initiating the HOA Toilet Distribution Program. The purpose of the program is to help HOAs and their residents replace old water-guzzling toilets with the new HET’s which would ultimately result in water consumption and monetary savings. Read more

District News Articles7/23/2010IS THERE LEAD IN MY DRINKING WATER?

Platte Canyon’s water is supplied by Denver Water. During testing lead has not been detected in Denver Water’s raw water or in the treated water leaving Denver Water treatment plants. The most common source of lead in treated drinking water is a customer’s plumbing. Read more

District News Articles7/16/2010WE’RE FOR WATER CAMPAIGN, “SPOKESGALLON” FLO TRAVELS THE U.S. TO PROMOTE WATER SAVINGS

American Water the nation’s largest publicly-traded water services provider, has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program to launch the national “We’re for Water” campaign. The campaign kicked off in Los Angeles on Wednesday when Flo and the EPA’s We’re for Water team departed to travel across the country for two weeks, stopping at national landmarks, taking photos with tourists, educating citizens about water efficiency, and recording the trip via Facebook, Twitter, widgets, and the We’re for Water Website ( www.epa.gov/watersense/wereforwater). The road trip will culminate on August 2, 2010, with an event in New York City. The tour is scheduled to stop in Denver on July 17th at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater. Flo will be meeting Denver Water's “running toilet” at the Top Circle Lot near the visitor center at 9 a.m. and will be there for approximately one hour. Read more

District News Articles7/2/2010CONSUMERS SAVE MONEY, WATER WITH EPA’S WATERSENSE PROGRAM

In 2009, EPA’s WaterSense® program helped consumers save more than 36 billion gallons of water and $267 million on their water and sewer bills. That’s nearly four times as much water as consumers saved with WaterSense® labeled toilets, faucets, and facet accessories in 2008.
“By raising awareness about the value of smart water use, the WaterSense® program encourages consumers to take environmental action into their own hands,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “WaterSense® labeled products provide Americans another opportunity to keep the country moving towards a green economy.” Read more

The District’s Robert G. Koran Memorial Xeriscape Demonstration Garden is in full bloom this month. Read more

District News Articles6/11/2010PLATTE CANYON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WORK SET TO BEGIN

Platte Canyon will be conducting two major water construction projects set to begin in July. On May 28th the Board of Directors awarded the construction contracts for these projects to Levi Contractors. Price for these projects is expected to cost $158,560.00
The projects are:
South Pierce Ct. Water Main Replacement
325 feet of 4-inch cast iron pipe will be replaced in the S. Pierce Ct. cul-de-sac south of W. Hinsdale Pl. in the Columbine West Subdivision. Read more

District News Articles5/14/2010DENVER WATER ANNOUNCES NEW CEO/MANAGER

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners has selected Jim Lochhead to be the next CEO/Manager of Denver Water.
“Jim brings deep experience and expertise in Colorado water issues and the political process, as well as outstanding leadership, strategic visioning and management skills,” said Penfield Tate, president of the Board of Water Commissioners. “We believe he has the necessary ability to maintain and build relationships with the myriad external stakeholders that work with Denver Water, and also the ability to be a dynamic, visionary leader for our staff and internal operations.” Read more

District News Articles5/7/2010REMEMBERING CHIPS BARRY

Hamlet “Chips” Barry, the CEO of Denver Water, the state’s largest utility, died after an accident on his farm on the Big Island of Hawaii, Sunday May 2, 2010. Barry, 66, had been the head of Denver Water since 1991 and was set to retire in a few weeks and recently honored for his services in a Resolution adopted by the Platte Canyon Board of Directors last month. Read more

District News Articles5/7/2010DISTRICT DELUGED WITH WATER IN BASEMENT CALLS

The District has been flooded with calls reporting water seeping into their basements. They have also stated that this has never happened in all the years they’ve resided at their home. The District has had a lot of moisture these past few weeks, especially with the snow and rain storms just two weeks ago. Because of all this moisture, the ground water table is above normal levels and causes water to penetrate areas that normally aren’t affected. Read more

The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors adopted Resolution 2010-3-1 Honoring Hamlet “Chips” Barry at its March 26, 2010 board meeting expressing the Board’s appreciation and gratitude to his 19 years of dedicated exemplary management and leadership of Denver Water. Read more

District News Articles4/2/2010DISTRICT GOES MOBILE WITH GIS

The District has been working on a Geographic Information System (GIS) project for over a year and is rolling out the program to its employees in mid-April of 2010. The District made the decision to proceed with the GIS project when the District went mobile with their field operations staff over a year ago. The District has taken the current asset management program (Hansen) and combined it with the District’s mapping system to create the District’s GIS program. Read more

District News Articles3/19/2010WORLD WATER DAY IS MARCH 22

World Water Day 2010 will be celebrated by the UN on Monday, March 22. This year’s theme is “Water Quality” under the slogan “Clean Water for a Healthy World”, and will emphasize that both the quality and the quantity of water resources are at risk.
The World Water Day 2010 will focus on:
Raising awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being through addressing the increasing water quality challenges in water management and
Raising the profile of water quality by encouraging governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the world to actively engage in proactively addressing water quality e.g. in pollution prevention, clean up and restoration.
Read more

District News Articles3/5/20102010 PRECIPITATION AND SNOWPACK LEVELS ARE CLOSE TO 2001 - 2002 DROUGHT LEVELS, BUT DON’T PANIC

As of March 1, 2010 snow-pack readings in the two watersheds that supplies water to Denver Water, the Upper South Platte and Upper Colorado, is tracking only slightly better than the 2002 drought levels, (76% of average compared to 70% of average on March 1, 2002), Bob Steger, a water resource engineer with the Denver Water Department stated this week. However, there are differences in this year’s readings as compared to the 2002 situation. According to Mr. Steger the Upper South Platte snowpack is significantly higher now (74% of average on March 1) than it was in 2002 (45% of average). Also Denver Water’s reservoir storage is considerably higher than it was at this time back in 2002. On March 1, 2010, our available reservoir storage was 85% of capacity; on March 1, 2002, available storage was 74% of capacity.
But there is no reason to panic, Steger said. Read more

District News Articles2/26/2010MYTHS vs. FACTS ABOUT DENVER WATER

After receiving several calls from District customers concerning why Denver Water raised its rates yet again and the reasons that they went to a monthly billing system, Platte Canyon would like to clarify the real reasons that Denver Water makes the changes it does. Read more

An important maintenance activity District operations employees perform is high-pressure cleaning of sanitary sewer mains.
In December 2009, the District purchased a replacement of a unit owned since 1998. The picture to the left shows what the vehicle looks like should you see it on your neighborhood street. Read more

District News Articles1/22/2010WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM CONTINUES THROUGH 2010

Denver Water Department's Residential Rebate Program for Platte Canyon customers who replace water guzzling fixtures and equipment with water efficient models will continue throughout this year.
Denver Water is offering five kinds of rebates for customers interested in improving high-water-use appliances or adding efficiency enhancers to their irrigation systems. The rebates will be available for purchases made between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Eligible purchases include: Read more

District News Articles1/22/2010DENVER WATER MANAGER CHIPS BARRY TO RETIRE

On January 11th Denver Water Manager Hamlet “Chips” Barry, the water department’s longest serving manager, announced his plans to retire later this spring.
Denver Water has 1.3 million customers in Denver and the surrounding suburbs. It collects and distributes about 76 billion gallons of water a year. That accounts for about a third of the treated water in Colorado and 2 percent of all water in the state. Read more

District News Articles1/15/2010CAPITAL MASTER PLAN FOR 2010 - 2019

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2010 - 2019. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects and vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be pro-active in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation.
Read more

District News Articles1/15/2010PC 2010 BUDGET APPROVED

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has adopted a 2010 budget calling for expenditure of $2,379,496; 2.3 percent less than budgeted in 2009. the Board also certified a property tax mill levy of 7.104 mills for general operations purposes and 0.020 mills to recover revenue from abatements and refunds made by Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties in tax year 2008. The total mill levy to be assessed upon all property located within the Platte Canyon District is 7.124 mills or $7.124 for each $1,000 of assessed value. Read more

District News Articles1/8/2010HELP KEEP MEDICINE OUT OF OUR WATERSHED

Health Organizations Launch Take-Back Program for Unwanted Medicines
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and a consortium of concerned organizations, including Denver Water, have launched a two-year pilot program offering a secure and environmentally responsible way for people to dispose of unwanted medication. Tamper-resistant collection boxes are now available at several metro-area locations. Read more

District News Articles12/11/2009LEAK DETECTION SURVEY COMMENCING THIS WEEK THROUGHOUT DISTRICT

Denver Water has contracted with Utility Services Associates, LLC to provide a leak detection survey for Distributors of the Denver Water Department. The participating Distributors include Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation, Southwest Metropolitan Water and Sanitation District, Bow Mar Water and Sanitation District, Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District, Lakehurst Water and Sanitation District, Willows Water District, Cherry Creek Village, Wheat Ridge Water District and the City of Lakewood. Read more

District News Articles11/6/2009PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE MAINTENANCE

A routine activity District operations personnel perform is Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Maintenance.
This program is necessary due to the fact that there are various elevations throughout the District which affect water pressure delivery. The higher the elevation the lower the water pressure. In turn, the lower the elevation the higher the water pressure. It is the goal Read more

District News Articles10/30/2009WATER AND SEWER RATES TO RISE

Denver Water and the City of Littleton have announced significant increases in water and sanitary sewer rates for 2010. Read more

District News Articles10/16/2009FALL SERVICE OF AIR-VACUUM VALVES BEGINS

Another routine function performed by the District’s operations staff is bi-annual maintenance of Air-Vacuum (Air-Vac) valves. An Air-Vacuum valve is a device installed on water mains 12 inches or larger. Its purpose is to allow air to enter a water main when it is being shut off and drained for maintenance and repairs. In turn, when the water main is being re-filled the Air-Vac valve allows air to escape from the pipe. Entrapped air has a force up to nine times greater than the water pressure in the main. These pockets of entrapped air can cause failures Read more

One of the routine operations that Platte Canyon maintenance crews perform during the spring and summer is annual inspection and maintenance of District owned fire hydrants. This routine maintenance includes: lubrication of the operating stem and nozzle caps, water pressure readings, as well as ensuring the proper operation of the fire hydrant and isolation gate valve. Fire hydrants are also painted on a bi-annual basis. District crews also observe the general condition of the fire hydrant which includes the availability of proper access to the hydrant for maintenance and emergency purposes.
Though the annual maintenance program is concluding for the fall and winter months, Platte Canyon is asking its customers to report any potential problems they observe with hydrants in their areas (i.e. hydrants leaking water, hydrants that have been damaged, hydrants that are missing, etc.).
Read more

District News Articles9/18/2009DENVER WATER EXTENDS PAYMENT DEADLINE FOR WATER BILLS

Upon the implementation of Denver Water’s monthly billing in July of this year, Denver Water had changed the payment deadline from 25 calendar days for customers to pay their bill and late payment fees were added if the bill was not paid within six days of the due date down to 12 calendar days to pay their bill and late payment fees were assessed if the bill was not paid within six days of the due date.
After receiving several customer complaints about the short turn around time to payment due dates, Denver Water has changed the payment deadline once again. Beginning in October bills will be due 20 days after the bill date and late payment fees will be added six days following that. Both dates will be clearly stated on the bill. Read more

District News Articles9/11/2009DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING A WEEK EARLY IN SEPTEMBER

The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors voted last month to change the September Board of Directors Meeting from September 25, 2009 to September 18, 2009, a week earlier than originally scheduled.
Read more

As part of Denver Water’s Irrigation Efficiency Program, Stanton Farms Townhomes HOA entered into an Irrigation Efficiency Demand Side Management Agreement with Denver Water. This agreement resulted from Denver Water conservation specialists conducting a free audit on the irrigation systems at Stanton Farms. Specialists outlined a list of landscape and irrigation changes that maximized water savings. Following Denver Water staff recommendations, the HOA instituted a water-saving makeover which includes the replacement of spray head nozzles in turf areas with more efficient rotary nozzles. The HOA will phase-in the use of Weather-Based ET controllers as time and money permit over the length of the Agreement. Read more

District News Articles8/21/2009DENVER WATER REPORTS LOWER WATER USE THANKS TO WEATHER AND EFFICIENT CUSTOMERS

This summer’s wet weather has many people shutting off their lawn sprinklers to take advantage of what Mother Nature is offering, and Denver Water couldn’t be happier. Customers are using less water this year compared to recent years, but that’s prompted some to ask what it means for the utility’s revenues.
In March 2009, Denver Water reduced its operating budget by 12 percent and adjusted its 2009 revenue expectations downward by 5 percent to respond to the downturn in the economy. However, due to the unusually wet weather, the utility anticipates an additional $16.4 million--or 8 percent--less revenue than expected for the year, which will be covered by reserves the utility maintains for seasonal variations. Read more

District News Articles7/24/2009PLATTE CANYON ASSUMES OWNERSHIP OF COLUMBINE TOWNHOUSES FOUR WATER SYSTEM

Replacement of 1,431 feet of water pipe within Columbine Townhouses Four Subdivision (CT4) has been completed by Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Subdistrict No. 2. The successful project enables CT4 to abandon its private water system and obtain service from the new public water system that will be owned and maintained by Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District. This is the second private water system conversion sponsored by Platte Canyon. Previously, the Columbine Townhouses Three Subdivision was converted from a privately owned system to a public system after all existing water facilities were replaced by Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Subdistrict No. 1. Read more

District News Articles7/10/2009PLATTE CANYON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WORK SET TO BEGIN

Platte Canyon will be conducting two major water construction projects this month. On April 28th the Board of Directors awarded the construction contracts for these projects to Twin Peaks Utility and Infrastructure, Inc..
The projects are:
Read more

District News Articles6/19/2009REMINDER: DENVER WATER MONTHLY BILLING BEGINS IN JULY

Denver Water will be moving from bi-monthly billing to monthly billing beginning in early July 2009. In order to communicate this change to District customers, Denver Water's extensive communications campaign continues through August.
Read more

District News Articles6/12/2009LITTLETON SEWER RATES TO RISE IN 2009

Sanitary sewer service bills scheduled to be mailed to Platte Canyon residents on June 15, 2009 will reflect a six percent increase over 2008 charges. Annual charges for a single family homeowner in Platte Canyon will be $190.87, a $10.80 increase from the 2008 rate of $180.07. Service charges for multi-family customers will rise $9.18 from $153.06 in 2008 to $162.24 this year. The increase is needed to pay for increased sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance costs as well as debt service expenditures. Read more

During Littleton City Council deliberations over sanitary sewer service charge adjustments in 2008, Platte Canyon and other connector district representatives urged Council members to conduct a professional, unbiased comprehensive rate study. The districts offered to share the cost of the study on a proportional basis. Not only did Council refuse to authorize the study, it ignored City staff’s recommendation for an equitable rate increase and, rather, adopted a discriminatory 20 percent increase assessed solely on outside-city residents and businesses. Read more

After the City of Littleton imposed a one sided 20 percent sewer service charge increase on outside-City customers and no increase on Littleton customers in 2008, a number of water and sanitation districts joined together to form the Littleton Sewer Rate Coalition (Coalition). The purpose of the Coalition is to promote fair and equitable sewer rates and tap fees for member customers. Read more

District News Articles5/22/2009WATER PRESSURE MONITORING PROGRAM

A routine activity District operations personnel perform is monitoring water pressures throughout the entire water distribution system. This annual program begins early May and concludes in early September. The purpose of the program is to make certain all areas of the distribution system are operating normally. Collected data is compared to previous years alerting District personnel of any potential problems. Read more

District News Articles5/15/2009ISOLATION VALVE MAINTENANCE

An important maintenance activity District crews perform is maintenance of isolation valves. It is imperative that all valves are in proper working order and easily accessible to provide the best water quality and fire protection.
Every district owned isolation valve is visited annually with an alternating inspection and exercise cycle. Read more

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District will be hosting a seminar for Homeowner Associations (HOAs) on May 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Tim LaPan from Denver Water will be available to assist HOAs in finding ways through Denver Water's programs to conserve water throughout their communities. Read more

District News Articles4/24/2009DISTRICT WELCOMED NEW “EMPLOYEES” ON TAKE YOUR KIDS TO WORK DAY

Some special guests accompanied their moms and dads to work April 23 for the annual “Take Your Kids to Work Day” program.
Read more

District News Articles3/27/2009IT SNOWED! BUT THERE IS STILL A GOOD REASON TO BE TAP+SMART

Above-average snowpack in Denver’s West Slope watersheds is welcome news. But what does it mean for Denver Water customers?
Read more

District News Articles1/29/2009THIS SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, REMEMBER THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

There’s another “bowl” to check out this Sunday.
Denver Water continues the tradition it started in 2005, urging customers to check their toilet bowls for leaks on Super Bowl Sunday. Turn those Super Bowl bathroom visits into a profitable situation with Denver Water’s special incentive that makes that “up close and personal” encounter with the porcelain throne a more attractive prospect: cash money.
Read more

District News Articles12/17/2008WEB SITE UPDATES ON HIATUS

This is just to let our customers/readers know that the Platte Canyon Web Site will not be updated with new information until February 2008 due to our Website Administrator’s absence.
During this time the web site is still fully functional (just not updated) so please feel free to explore what the site has to offer. Read more

District News Articles12/16/2008CAPITAL MASTER PLAN FOR 2009 - 2018

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors recently approved a Capital Master Plan for 2009 - 2018. The purpose of the master plan is to itemize, prioritize and schedule water and wastewater facility expansion, rehabilitation and replacement projects and vehicle purchases to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of budgeting and cash flow analysis. The Plan enables the District to be pro-active in confronting water and sewer system modifications and rehabilitation. Read more

District News Articles12/16/20082009 BUDGET APPROVED

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has adopted a 2009 budget calling for expenditure of $2,429,556, 13% less than the amount budgeted in 2008. The Board also certified a property tax mill levy of 7.104 mills for general operations purposes and 0.032 mills to recover revenue from previous county tax refunds and abatements. The total mill levy to be assessed upon all property located with the Platte Canyon District is 7.136 mills or $7.136 for each $1,000 of assessed value. Read more

In October the Platte Canyon Board of Directors signed a Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement to join the Colorado Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CoWARN).
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment working in cooperation with public and private water and wastewater utilities has formed the Colorado Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CoWARN). CoWARN is a formalized system whose goal is designed to create a network of utilities that are prepared and willing to assist one another during emergency situations such as floods, tornados, terrorist attacks and even water breaks that overwhelm affected entities ability to respond to system and citizen needs. Read more

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) released a report on October 6th, “Colorado Climate Change: A Synthesis to Support Water Resource Management and Adaptation.” The report focused on observed trends and projections of temperature, precipitation, snow and runoff. The report was released in connection with the Governor’s Conference on Managing Drought and Climate Risk, that was held October 8-10, 2008, in Denver.
Read more

District News Articles10/12/2008CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CLEAN DRINKING WATER

The next time you enjoy a refreshing glass of water from the tap, you might want to offer a toast to what has been helping to keep water safe and healthy for American families since 1908. One hundred years ago, Jersey City, N.J., and Chicago’s union stockyards added chlorine to water supplies, launching America’s reliance on chlorine to disinfect drinking water.
Read more

District News Articles10/10/2008SURVEY OF FUTURE OF DENVER WATER RATES

Denver Water is looking at ways to revise its rate structure and is seeking customer feedback on possible alternative options for 2010 and beyond. The utility is evaluating how to meet costs and encourage conservation to ensure a sustainable water supply for the future.
Customers can visit www.denverwater.org through Oct. 31 to take a survey and provide input. Read more

District News Articles10/3/2008DENVER WATER BOARD ADJUSTS CUSTOMER RATES FOR 2009

Denver Water’s Board of Water Commissioners today approved a proposal to adjust water rates for 2009, maintaining the utility’s conservation-oriented pricing structure that provides lower rates for low water use and charges more for summer peak usage.
The adjustments take effect Jan. 1, 2009. Read more

District News Articles9/26/2008GREASE IS NOT THE ONLY PRODUCT HARMFUL TO SEWERS

Grease is not the only substance that can cause problems in sewers. Many household chemicals, plant fertilizers, pesticides, and medicines can be toxic by themselves or when mixed with other substances. These chemicals pose health risks to wastewater collection system and treatment plant employees. Read more

District News Articles9/26/2008DISTRICT SUPPORTS TWO WATER RELATED PBS DOCUMENTARIES

PBS will air two shows educating the public about water issues facing our country and region: water delivery systems and future supply sources the first week of October.
Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure - Airs at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, on Rocky Mountain PBS, KRMA Channel 6
American Southwest: Are We Running Dry? - Airs at 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, on Rocky Mountain PBS, KRMA Channel 6
Read more

District News Articles9/19/2008DENVER TAP WATER IS TOPS

Denver Water placed first in a taste test for water utilities in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming at the American Water Works Association Rocky Mountain Section’s (RMSAWWA) annual conference in Colorado Springs.
Thirteen utilities submitted samples for tasting and a panel of five judges that included news media and water taste test professionals rated Denver Water number one based on appearance, smell, taste and overall impression. Read more

District News Articles8/29/2008PROTECT YOUR DRINKING WATER FOR LIFE

Water is all around us. It is colorless and tasteless. The air we breathe contains water. Water has many purposes throughout the world, aside from human consumption and purposes related to that. With 80 percent of the earth's surface covered with water, it makes water the most common substance on earth. Without water, there could be no life. Every living thing needs water to live, and every living thing is made of at least some water. Next to the air we breathe, water is our most important need. Without water there wouldn’t be any life on Earth.
Because of this it is extremely important that we protect our drinking water sources Read more

District News Articles8/22/2008PLATTE CANYON PROMOTES FAT FREE SEWERS

Fats, Oils, and Greases aren’t just bad for your arteries and your waistline; they are bad for sewer pipes as well. Sewer backups and overflows can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and threaten the environment. An increasingly common cause of sewer overflows is pipes blocked with grease. Read more

District News Articles8/8/2008GARDENER DIGS INTO NEW CHALLENGE

Elizabeth Gardener, Denver Water’s manager of water conservation for the past 21 years, greeted 2008 by taking on a new challenge in her chosen field. As a Tap+Smart Plan co-chair, she will create alliances with other water providers in the metro area to help them reduce water waste. Read more

District News Articles8/1/2008DISTRICT GOES MOBILE

On June 2nd Platte Canyon implemented its mobile solution program which allows operations staff to remotely access the District’s Infrastructure Management software from their vehicles in the field by utilizing portable Panasonic rugged laptops with Sprint aircards that are mounted in all District vehicles. The software allows operations staff to access locate ticket management software, GIS software, e-mails, easement information, and various maps from anywhere with the District. Read more

District News Articles7/18/2008DISTRICT REQUESTING PROPOSALS FOR DEMOLITION OF ITS SEWAGE LIFT STATION

As reported in previous news articles, Platte Canyon has decommissioned its Platte River Sewage Lift Station located at 2650 W. Berry Ave., adjacent to the South Platte River. The pumping station was originally constructed in the early 1960’s to pump the majority of the District’s wastewater under the South Platte River into a Littleton sewer pipe that extends to the Littleton-Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant at Dartmouth Ave. and Santa Fe. Dr.
The District is now seeking proposals from qualified firms to remove all structures and level the site with existing soil and clean, approved fill material as necessary to restore the site to the existing elevation. Read more

District News Articles7/17/2008DENVER WATER’S NEW SOIL AMENDMENT GOES INTO EFFECT AUGUST 1ST

As part of Denver Water’s Tap+Smart Conservation Plan, in November 2007 the Board of Water Commissioners approved the soil amendment operating rule, effective August 1, 2008. Soil preparation applies to all commercial, industrial and residential properties throughout the Denver Water service area that will have a meter set after August 1, 2008.
Read more

District News Articles7/3/2008PLATTE CANYON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WORK SET TO BEGIN

Platte Canyon will be conducting three major water construction projects this summer. On June 27th the Board of Directors awarded the construction contracts for these projects to Levi Contractors.
The projects are:
Read more

District News Articles6/27/2008WATER EFFICIENT NEW HOMES COMING SOON

The US Environmental Protection Agency has released the draft specification for the water efficient new homes program. The draft specification incorporates EPA's criteria for product categories earning the WaterSense label (toilets and faucets) and requires many other practices and technologies aimed at bringing water efficiency into the entire home. Read more

District News Articles6/13/2008DISTRICT ELECTION CANCELLED

The election for directors to the board of Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District was cancelled when there were not more candidates filing nominating petitions than the number of board vacancies. As a result of the cancellation, Jack Dice and Richard Eckert were declared elected to four year terms ending in May 2010. Read more

District News Articles5/2/2008DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEE

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District would like to extend a warm welcome to Justin Roquemore who has been hired to fill the vacant Operator I position. Read more

Due to lack of response the Spring Water Efficiency Seminar Irrigation System and Watering Basics has been CANCELLED. Read more

District News Articles4/11/2008REGISTER NOW FOR THE SPRING WATER EFFICIENCY SEMINAR

Southwest Metropolitan in cooperation with Arapahoe Acres Nursery, Denver Water, and Ken Caryl Ranch and Lakehurst Water and Sanitation Districts, is once again pleased to sponsor a water efficiency seminar to inform District customers how to utilize efficient water and irrigation practices and how to receive monetary compensation by doing it. The instructional seminar had grown in popularity with the advent of water resource limitations and higher water rates. Read more

District News Articles4/4/2008IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PLATTE CANYON WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT CUSTOMERS

Littleton City Council has proposed a 20% increase in 2008 sewer service charges for Platte Canyon customers. Council also proposed no increase in rates for sewer customers residing within Littleton City boundaries. The additional cost to Platte Canyon customers will be $30.01 per year.
Read more

District News Articles3/28/2008BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO CONSIDER WATER CONSERVATION PLAN

In accordance with its Water Supply Agreement with Denver Water, Platte Canyon is required to implement and enforce Denver Water Operating Rules, including water efficiency and conservation requirements. The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has been a strong advocate for water conservation and has supported Read more

District News Articles3/21/2008EMAIL UPDATE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District offers a free service that will automatically keep you notified when specific areas of our website are updated. These areas include: News Articles, Board Meeting Agendas, Board Meeting Minutes, District Projects, and Water and Sanitary Sewer Specifications. Read more

District News Articles3/21/2008EMERGENCY CONTACT REMINDER

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333 before calling a plumber or another contractor. Read more

District News Articles3/14/2008WORLD WATER DAY IS MARCH 20 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SANITATION 2008

World Water Day 2008 will be celebrated by the UN on Thursday, March 20 and UN Water officially launched the World Water Day 2008 website. The day will highlight issues on sanitation in accordance with the International Year of Sanitation (IYS) 2008. The goal of the IYS is to raise awareness and to draw attention to the global sanitation crisis. Read more

District News Articles3/10/2008JOB OPENING: WATER DISTRIBUTION / WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM OPERATOR I OR II

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution / Wastewater Collection System Operator I or II. Read more

District News Articles3/7/2008PLATTE RIVER SEWAGE LIFT STATION BEING DECOMMISSIONED AFTER 49 YEARS IN SERVICE

As reported in previous news articles, Platte Canyon contracted with Roxborough Water and Sanitation District to transport a portion of the District’s wastewater through Roxborough’s new regional outfall sewer pipe. The intergovernmental agreement enables Platte Canyon to abandon its Platte River sewage lift station located at Berry Ave. And the South Platte River. The pumping station was originally constructed in the early 1960’s to pump the majority of the District’s wastewater under the South Platte River into a Littleton sewer pipe that extends to the Littleton-Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant at Dartmouth Ave. and Santa Fe. Dr. Read more

District News Articles2/22/2008WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM CONTINUES THROUGH 2008

Denver Water Department's Residential Rebate Program for Platte Canyon customers who replace water guzzling fixtures and equipment with water efficient models will continue throughout this year. Read more

Denver Water recently discovered an error in the formula used to calculate the water bills for “Read and Bill” customers which resulted in customers being overcharged for their water usage. This incorrect water rate calculation resulted in 35,000 single-family homes, half of them located in the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District, to be overcharged for water bills beginning January 1, 2007 and continuing through the first billing period of this year. Read more

Move over Giants and Patriots; there’s another “bowl” to check out this Sunday.
Denver Water continues the tradition it started in 2005, urging customers to check their toilet bowls for leaks on Super Bowl Sunday. Turn those Super Bowl bathroom visits into a profitable situation with the water department’s special incentive that makes that “up close and personal” encounter with the porcelain throne a more attractive prospect: cash money. Read more

District News Articles1/25/2008PLATTE CANYON HAS BECOME AN EPA WATERSENSE® PARTNER

Platte Canyon has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bring you WaterSense®, a national program that offers consumers a simple way to make product choices that use less water with no sacrifice to quality or product performance. Read more

District News Articles1/18/2008WATER EFFICIENCY ADDRESSED IN NEW FEDERAL ENERGY BILL

On December 19, 2007, President Bush signed bill H.R. 6, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 into law. This bill establishes minimum national water efficiency standards for residential clothes washers and dishwashers. The standards contained in H.R. 6 were developed in an agreement between appliance manufacturers, their trade organization, and a nationwide coalition of energy and water efficiency supporters in April 2007. Read more

District News Articles1/11/2008PLATTE CANYON AND DENVER WATER DEPARTMENT COOPERATE TO SOLVE MAJOR SYSTEM MALFUNCTION

On January 3, 2008 the Denver Water Department experienced distribution system problems which affected a large portion of the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District from W. Bowles Ave. south to W. Chatfield Ave. and from S. Platte Canyon Rd. west to S. Pierce St. It took several hours to locate the system malfunction and as Denver Water crews worked to rectify the problem a very high water pressure surge was sent into Platte Canyon’s water distribution system. Read more

District News Articles1/4/2008BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2008

The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors has established the following schedule for Board meetings in 2008. Read more

District News Articles12/28/2007WATER QUALITY PROTECTION

Preserving the quality of water delivered to homes and businesses in Platte Canyon is a huge effort that involves a large number of entities carrying out numerous, diverse responsibilities. Protection of water quality begins at the source. Read more

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has approved three capital construction replacement projects for 2008. The projects, which are expected to cost $612,831, are part of the District’s Capital Master Plan for 2008-2017. The plan projects expenditure of $5,075,584 for water and sewer system replacements and improvements and $1,012,000 for vehicle replacements over the next ten years Read more

District News Articles12/14/20072008 BUDGET APPROVED

The 2008 Budget for Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District was approved by the District’s Board of Directors on November 30, 2007. The entire budget is available for review by clicking on the following link: Read more

District News Articles12/7/2007APPLIANCE DISCHARGE

As part of the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District’s ongoing Maintenance Program, District crews utilize high pressure water cleaning equipment to clean and scour District owned sanitary sewer mains throughout the year. Occasionally this equipment causes a vacuum effect in the sewer main which, if not vented through properly functioning customer-owned plumbing ventilation pipes, may result in a minor discharge from sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and floor drains in a customer’s residence Read more

Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for approximately 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption. Toilets are also responsible for most of the water wasted in American homes due to leaks and/or inefficiency. Replacing toilets with WaterSense labeled high-efficiency models (HETs) could save approximately two billion gallons per day across the country Read more

As the wildfire season ebbs this fall, a group of Colorado water managers, foresters, and scientists are all fired up about protecting watersheds from forest fires that could ravage drinking water infrastructure.
Seven Front Range Colorado water providers met with representatives of the Colorado State Forest Service, US Forest Service, US Geological Survey, National Park Service, other related entities, Read more

District News Articles10/19/2007FALL WATER EFFICIENCY SEMINARS A SUCCESS

Platte Canyon was once again pleased to sponsor a series of water efficiency sessions to inform District customers how to utilize efficient water and irrigation practices and how to receive monetary compensation by doing it. The District’s seminar series has grown increasingly popular with the advent of Read more

District News Articles10/12/2007DENVER WATER ANNOUNCES RATE INCREASE

The Denver Board of Water commissioners has approved an increase in water rates effective January 1, 2008. While single family residential water rates for Platte Canyon customers will rise 4.7%, the actual water bill impact will depend on the amount of each customers water consumption as shown Read more

District News Articles10/5/2007PREPARING FOR COLD WEATHER

The same natural forces that trigger cold-weather breaks in Platte Canyon’s underground water mains can cause pipes to burst in your own plumbing systems. Here are some tips to help you prepare before Colorado’s cold weather hits: Read more

Major home appliance manufacturers, their trade organization, and a nationwide coalition of energy and water efficiency supporters announced an agreement that will establish new mandatory federal energy and water efficiency standards, recommendations for new ENERGY STAR levels, and manufacturer tax credits for the production of super-efficient clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators and Read more

District News Articles9/14/2007NATIVE VS. ADAPTED: WHICH PLANTS ARE BEST FOR WATER-CONSERVING YARDS?

There has been a long-standing controversy among landscape aficionados about whether native or adapted plants are really best to conserve water in Colorado landscapes. Looking for a balanced approach, CWWC’s Liz Gardener posed some questions to two are experts, Panyoti Kelaidis, Director of Outreach at Denver Botanic Gardens and Abby Schreiber, Horticulturist and Xeriscape Specialist for Aurora Utilities.
Read more

Builders of new homes and commercial structures are required to obtain sanitary sewer tap permits from both the District and City of Littleton before connecting to District owned sewer mains. Fees charged for the permits are used to offset the cost of new infrastructure needed to serve new development as well as to provide reimbursement of costs previously incurred for sewer collection and treatment facilities used by new connectors. Read more

District News Articles8/17/2007REGISTER NOW FOR FALL WATER CONSERVATION SEMINARS

Platte Canyon is once again pleased to sponsor a series of water efficiency sessions to inform District customers how to utilize efficient water and irrigation practices and how to receive monetary compensation by doing it. The instructional series has grown in popularity with the advent of water resource limitations and higher water rates. Read more

District News Articles8/10/2007W. CHESTNUT AVE. SEWER MAIN REHABILITATION PROJECT COMPLETED UNDER A NEW ANNUAL CONTRACT

On March 23, 2007 The Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors authorized an annual contract with Wildcat Civil Services, LLC to perform cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) sewer lining services on an “as authorized” basis. Read more

The Board of Directors of Platte Canyon has agreed to provide sanitary sewer maintenance and general administrative services to Valley Sanitation District. An intergovernmental agreement similar to contracts previously executed with Bow Mar, Columbine, and Lochmoor Water and Sanitation Districts was approved by both district boards June 22, 2007. Read more

District News Articles7/27/2007ORDER YOUR RUBBER DUCKY TODAY

Denver Water has implemented a new web site as the most recent addition to the Use Only What You Need campaign. The goal of the campaign is to educate customers on how to use water efficiently and eliminate waste. Read more

District News Articles7/6/2007THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS by J. Evan Goulding

Special Districts date back to the early mining camps in Colorado, where as the camps grew, they sought mechanisms to join together to provide certain essential services such as fire protection and sewer service. Special districts of one form or another have been utilized since that time.
Read more

From 1996 to 1999, The American Water Works Association (AWWA) Research Foundation conducted a study to determine how North American households use water around the home. A total of 14 cities, including Boulder and Denver, participated in the study. AWWA concluded that North American households typically use about 146,000 gallons of water annually, and of this amount, approximately 42% is used indoors and 58% is used for outdoor irrigation. Given that meaningful savings in indoor water use is often difficult to obtain Read more

District News Articles6/15/20072007 XERISCAPE SEMINAR PROGRAM AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS

Over 100 Platte Canyon customers participated in this spring’s Xeriscape seminar series. The seminars have grown in popularity in recent years as customers respond to water restrictions, hot, dry summer weather, and increasing water rates. Read more

District News Articles6/1/2007EMERGENCY CONTACT REMINDER

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333. After hours emergency calls Read more

In celebration of the implementation of the national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed that May 4th through May 10th be COLORADO DIG SAFELY WEEK.
Read more

District News Articles5/4/2007PLATTE CANYON CELEBRATES DRINKING WATER WEEK MAY 6TH THROUGH MAY 12TH

The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the authoritative resource on safe water in North America, will kick off its 30th Annual National Drinking Water Week beginning May 6th, in celebration of our most precious natural resource. Read more

District News Articles4/27/2007“CALL BEFORE YOU DIG” IMPLEMENTS A NATIONAL 811 CALL NUMBER

Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? 811 is the new number you must call before you begin any digging project. Read more

District News Articles4/27/2007SUMMER WATERING PROGRAM FOR 2007

Warm weather is here and it’s time to start thinking about water for lawns, gardens, and flower beds.
On April 18th the Denver Board of Water Commissioners decided that customers of Denver Water, including Platte Canyon/Southwest Metropolitan customers, will continue to have watering restrictions this summer in order Read more

District News Articles4/6/2007PLATTE CANYON GROWS BY 9.8 ACRES

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has approved the inclusion of 9.8 acres of land located north of W. Bowles Ave. between Bell Flower Dr and S. Laurel Pl. The property is owned Read more

District News Articles4/6/20072007 WATER QUALITY REPORT

Denver Water is currently mailing the 2007 Water Quality Report with Platte Canyon customer water bills. The report contains a wealth of information about not only the quality of your water but, also, about where your water comes from and how it is treated before it is delivered Read more

District News Articles3/30/2007WATER MAIN FLUSHING BEGINS

One way the District helps to preserve water quality in its distribution system is to periodically flush water from fire hydrants and dead-end water mains. Reasons for performing this maintenance procedure include: Read more

District News Articles3/30/2007DENVER’S TAP WATER CLEANEST IN THE COUNTRY

In a recent article, Men’s Health magazine ranked Denver Water’s tap water as the cleanest in the Country. Read more

District News Articles3/23/2007PLATTE CANYON BOARD PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR WATER EDUCATION

For the 4th consecutive year, the Platte Canyon Board of Directors has authorized funding for the Learning to be WaterWise water education program. Expenditures will be shared equally by the District and Denver Water Department to supply program materials to teachers and fifth grade students at participating Read more

The District’s series of landscaping and irrigation efficiency seminars are very much in demand this spring. The following seminars are very close to being filled so if you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to attend these FREE seminars please call Read more

District News Articles2/23/2007NEW EMAIL UPDATE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District has started a brand new free service that will automatically keep you notified when specific areas of our website are updated. These areas include: Read more

District News Articles2/16/2007DISTRICT RECEIVES NEW TELEVISION INSPECTION UNIT

An important maintenance activity District operations employees perform is closed-circuit television inspections of sanitary sewer mains. This activity provides a detailed evaluation of the condition of every sewer main owned by the District. Read more

District News Articles2/8/2007PLATTE CANYON SIGNS SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LOCHMOOR WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of Platte Canyon has agreed to provide sanitary sewer maintenance and general administrative services to Lochmoor Water and Sanitation District. An intergovernmental agreement similar to contracts previously executed with Read more

District News Articles2/2/2007EMERGENCY CONTACT REMINDER

To report problems with water service, sewer service, or possible water leaks, please contact Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-2333. After hours emergency calls are Read more

District News Articles1/26/20072007 XERISCAPE SEMINARS AND SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Platte Canyon is once again pleased to sponsor a series of Xeriscape landscaping and irrigation efficiency seminars to help our customers enjoy a beautiful yard without wasting water or money. The series has grown in popularity as customers respond to water restrictions, hot, dry summer weather, and increasing water rates. Read more

The fourth volume of the popular Xeriscape Maintenance Journal series has just been released. The Xeriscape Maintenance Journal – Evidence of Care is a beautiful full color booklet that provides a wealth of information on Xeriscape plant materials and Xeriscape landscaping techniques and practices. Read more

District News Articles1/12/2007Construction Projects Planned for 2007

The Platte Canyon Board of Directors has approved four capital construction projects for 2007. The projects, which are expected to cost $389, 296, are part of the District’s Capital Master Plan for 2007-2016. The plan projects expenditure of Read more

District News Articles1/5/2007Board Adopts 2007 Budget

The budget for 2007 was adopted by the Platte Canyon Board of Directors on December 1, 2006. The budget calls for expenditure of $3,097,687, 2.0 percent more than budgeted in 2006. General fund expenditures are expected to be $1,725,192 while capital expenditures are budgeted at $1,372,495. Total revenue expected in 2007 is $2,358,426. The $739,261 difference Read more

District News Articles1/5/2007Water Conservation Rebate Program Continues Through 2007

Denver Water Department's Conservation Rebate Incentive Program for customers who replace water guzzling fixtures and equipment with water efficient models will continue throughout 2007. Read more

District News Articles12/14/2006Denver Water Increases Rates

Beginning January 1, 2007 Platte Canyon customers may or may not be paying more for water service. Why the uncertainty? Because Denver Water approved some significant changes in the rate structure that will make water bills much more sensitive to the amount of water used. Read more

Now available at the District office is the official guide to the Robert G. Koran Memorial Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, entitled Welcome to the Southwest Metropolitan & Platte Canyon XeriscapeTM Garden. Read more

District News Articles1/1/2006Memorial Fund Established for Denver Water Employee

On numerous occasions, District maintenance staff have responded to sewer backup reports received from distressed homeowners who have lost valuable property that was stored on a basement floor near a floor drain. If a sewer service pipe or sewer main becomes clogged, wastewater backs up in the pipe and may surface through basement floor drains. If not detected and corrected immediately the backup can spread and contact items which have been boxed and stored in a seemingly remote area of the basement. Read more